Overview

This book explains, with case examples, a variety of social science research methods suitable for studying the unconscious components of irrational social and political actions in world affairs, which can be defined as those that are intensely destructive, self-destructive, or extremely bizarre. The book argues that they are driven in part by feelings and fantasies that are outside of conscious awareness. Meyers explores the role of empathy in clinical understanding, as well as the value of exposing assertions to empirical disconfirmation. With a variety of research methods such as survey research, content analysis, and narrative analysis, and case examples such as studies of 'irreal' statements by authoritarian leaders, fabricated newspaper articles and climate change denial, this book sheds light on how to conduct research on psychodynamic matters in a scientifically valid and credible way.

Full Product Details

9781137524898

Table of Contents

Reviews

Meyers' book is a stunning and important contribution to an exploration of how our world turns. ... the book seems to me to be important for our times. ... It offers a sense of urgency about our survival (climate change, for example or corporate greed) and also suggests some paths to leading our lives with the empathy for others that may help save us. (Katherine Burkman, Ohio State University, January, 2017) This book is conceived as a guidebook and toolbox, a `how-to' manual for inquiries into the psychodynamics of world politics. Offering small and easily accessible subchapters, Meyers outlines different methodological approaches to integrating social scientific and psychoanalytic viewpoints with the aim of shedding light on non-rational and bizarre aspects of world politics. (Steffen Kruger, American Imago, Vol. 74 (2), 2017) Meyers has produced a book about research methodologies that is quite readable and thoroughly enjoyable. ... Meyers' style and content have contributed to a book that is both comprehensible and relevant to understanding internal mental life and current world events. ... recommend to anyone who prefers to ask questions a la the method of inquiry over the method of authority in which the king, organized religion, or the government dictate what constitutes the truth. (Burton Norman Seitler, Clio's Psyche, Vol. 22 (3), December, 2015)

Meyers has produced a book about research methodologies that is quite readable and thoroughly enjoyable. Meyers style and content have contributed to a book that is both comprehensible and relevant to understanding internal mental life and current world events. recommend to anyone who prefers to ask questions a la the method of inquiry over the method of authority in which the king, organized religion, or the government dictate what constitutes the truth. (Burton Norman Seitler, Clio s Psyche, Vol. 22 (3), December, 2015)

Meyers' book is a stunning and important contribution to an exploration of how our world turns. ... the book seems to me to be important for our times. ... It offers a sense of urgency about our survival (climate change, for example or corporate greed) and also suggests some paths to leading our lives with the empathy for others that may help save us. (Katherine Burkman, Ohio State University, January, 2017) Meyers has produced a book about research methodologies that is quite readable and thoroughly enjoyable. ... Meyers' style and content have contributed to a book that is both comprehensible and relevant to understanding internal mental life and current world events. ... recommend to anyone who prefers to ask questions a la the method of inquiry over the method of authority in which the king, organized religion, or the government dictate what constitutes the truth. (Burton Norman Seitler, Clio's Psyche, Vol. 22 (3), December, 2015)

Meyers has produced a book about research methodologies that is quite readable and thoroughly enjoyable. ... Meyers' style and content have contributed to a book that is both comprehensible and relevant to understanding internal mental life and current world events. ... recommend to anyone who prefers to ask questions a la the method of inquiry over the method of authority in which the king, organized religion, or the government dictate what constitutes the truth. (Burton Norman Seitler, Clio's Psyche, Vol. 22 (3), December, 2015)

Author Information

William R. Meyers is Professor Emeritus in Psychology at the University of Cincinnati, USA. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard University, was on the faculty of Harvard and M.I.T., and has served as the Director of Research for the Peace Corps.

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