Books in Social sciences and humanities

Science Policy Perspectives

1st Edition
September 25, 2013
Arthur Gerstenfeld
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 6 3 2 1 2

Science Policy Perspectives: USA-Japan is a collection of papers from the "Second Seminar on Science Policy" under the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Science Program held in Hawaii in August 1981. This collection presents an exchange of ideas between the Japan and the United States on each other's science policies. One paper confers the belief that basic and applied scientific research in America are fundamentally distinct. Political and administrative considerations influence perceptions of basic and applied research. Those responsible for framing and implementing science policies should have an alternative, two-dimensional view where basic and applied science does not exclude each other. In Japan, basic research is done in universities, applied research is made in national research institutes, while research and development is carried out by the private sector. Other papers address the policies of resource allocation in basic and applied research in the two countries, the practices of their respective governments, the cooperation of universities and industry, as well as patent policies for government supported research. This collection can prove useful for engineers, inventors, investigators in both government and privately funded research, and policy makers in government dealing with scientific research and development.

Social Psychology

1st Edition
September 25, 2013
Jeffrey H Goldstein
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 6 4 4 0 0

Social Psychology: Philosophical and Theoretical Issues deals with the development of ideas, and how these ideas can qualify other findings. The book reviews the philosophical and theoretical issues involved in social psychology such as its goals and its scientific relevance. The text also examines the knowledge of psychology today, especially the content validity as many errors have influenced the historical development of the science. The book then discusses the testing approach to theories through testing hypotheses, manipulating then measuring variables, experimental studies, quasi-experiments, and research on research. The text also explains attitude change, propaganda, and communication, including the cognitive consistency theory or the behaviorist/learning theory, as well as variations of these two theories. The book also addresses the levels of different attractions involving those of strangers, friends, and brief acquaintances. The author cites evidence that attraction between people is heightened when they have the same personality, beliefs, and even some physical characteristics. The text can prove informative for psychiatrists, psychologists, behavioral scientists, and students and professors in psychology, as well as general readers interested in human interaction.

A Theory of Economic Systems

1st Edition
September 25, 2013
Manuel Gottlieb
Charles Tilly + 1 more
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 6 5 8 9 6

A Theory of Economic Systems is a systematic inquiry into the nature of historical economic systems, their relationships to each other, their peripheral areas, and the ways in which they and their components have evolved over time. Topics covered include modes of production; coordination of resource use; functions of the state in the economy; and the institutions of money and property. Comprised of nine chapters, this book begins with a brief introduction to the frame of reference; basic definitions of the terms used in economic systems; methodological issues; and the bounds of the inquiry. The next chapters are devoted to modes of production or forms of productive organization. Ten distinct modes of production are identified, with different modes sometimes dominant in different fields of economic activity (agriculture, industry, wholesale trade, urban services, etc.). The way the use of economic resources is coordinated both within and between modes is considered, with particular reference to markets, rationing, and central planning. Subsequent chapters focus on the role of the state and the public economy in economic systems; money and property; the ways in which separate economic systems may be drawn into meaningful multinational gestalts or orders; and problems of system classification. The book concludes by listing eight broad family types of systems into which most, if not all, historically experienced systems may fit. This monograph should appeal to social scientists in varied fields of specialization such as geography, sociology, economic history, political science, and economics.

Life-Span Developmental Psychology

1st Edition
September 25, 2013
L. R. Goulet + 1 more
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 1 7 9 4 9

Life-Span Development Psychology: Research and Theory covers the issues and problems associated with a life-span conceptualization of developmental psychology. The book discusses the status,issues, and antecedents of life-span developmental psychology; an approach to theory construction in the psychology of development and aging; and models and theories of development. The text also describes the methodology and research strategy in the study of developmental change; the application of multivariate strategies to problems of measuring and structuring long-term change; and the mechanisms required for the operation of perception and recognition. Learning and retention; language; and intellectual abilities are also considered. Developmental psychologists will find the study invaluable.

Energy Economics and Policy

2nd Edition
September 25, 2013
James M. Griffin + 1 more
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 5 7 7 3 0

Energy Economics and Policy, Second Edition presents a unified analysis of energy economics and energy policy. This book deals with energy economics. It discusses the dimension of the energy problem—the role of energy in economic development, energy consumption patterns, energy supply, and oil prices. In dealing with equilibrium of energy demand and supply, the authors note that efficiency and equity considerations should be considered simultaneously using the income tax or welfare system to redress burdens imposed on the poor. The authors also analyze OPEC behavior and oil prices and notes six keys to the long-run viability of OPEC and their implications for future prices in oil. The authors present the environmental issues in energy development and the economics of pollution control. The authors cite the efficiency of low-cost emitters that receive incentives to control more compared to high-cost emitters. As regards conservation schemes, the authors note that prorationing polices seek to remedy symptoms of over drilling, excessive production, and flaring of natural gas—instead of addressing unified and efficient contracting systems. This book can prove beneficial to economists, environmentalists, and policy makers involved in oil and energy regulation and use.

Distributional Impacts

1st Edition
September 25, 2013
Robert H. Haveman + 1 more
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 6 3 2 6 7

Microeconomic Simulation Models for Public Policy Analysis, Volume 1: Distributional Impacts is a collection of papers presented at a conference of the same title held in Washington, D.C. in March 1978. This collection discusses extended micro data models for first-round distributional analysis, models that incorporate behavioral responses to the policies being stimulated, models of macroeconomics, and models that have sectorial or regional impacts. One paper explains that increasing support for the negative income tax scheme can result in bigger increase in the budgetary cost of the program itself. Another paper evaluates the Kasten, Greenberg, Betson program as useful for policymakers to determine the distributional consequences of any proposed changes in policy in welfare reforms. With the oil embargo and energy crisis in the U.S., one author presents a model to measure the impacts these events have on energy consumers, especially on the lower-income group. Such model employs a comprehensive human resources data system that measures the distributional impacts of energy policies. This book is beneficial for policy makers and regulators involved in economic and public services. This book can also help sociologists and academicians in the field of political science and developmental studies.

Assessment Strategies for Cognitive–Behavioral Interventions

1st Edition
September 25, 2013
Philip C. Kendall + 1 more
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 7 7 7 1 4

Assessment Strategies for Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions is a collection of original contributions provided by leaders in the field who consider the theoretical and applied assessment issues related to the expanding field of cognitive-behavioral interventions. Chapters in the present volume, designed as a companion volume to an earlier text, Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions: Theory, Research, and Procedures, focus on the issues inherent in the measurement of cognitive and behavioral events and processes. The book opens with an overview of recent growth in the field. Attention is devoted to examining several goals of the new assessment endeavors, some suggestions related to the proposed methods, and certain problems inherent in cognitive-behavioral assessments. Separate chapters follow that deal directly with a variety of specific content areas. These include a conceptualization of attributions, as well as describing their measurement and speculating as to their role in both the etiology and treatment of psychological disturbance; and suggestions for assessment in clinical interviews and for using psychometric instruments and discusses belief systems and irrationality. Subsequent chapters focus on special populations and procedures.

Foundations of Developmental Psychology

1st Edition
September 25, 2013
Richard C. LaBarba
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 6 5 8 3 4

Foundations of Developmental Psychology is designed for the student seeking a comprehensive introduction to developmental psychology as a developmental science. The intent is to introduce the field in a manner comparable to the introductory courses that college students take in biology, chemistry, or physics. The emphasis is on the empirical and theoretical foundations of fundamental human development. The book attempts to trace the origins and processes of various developmental events. Developmental phenomena are presented by topics rather than by chronological, age-related patterns of development. This arrangement of the subject matter provides for more efficient study, integration, and synthesis of the material, along with a more organized view of development. Key topics discussed include the genetic foundations of development; prenatal factors in development; the biological notion of maturation and its significance for development; motor and perceptual development; and cognitive, intellectual, language, emotional, personality, and social development. Although this text is written for undergraduate students in psychology, it can be understood by students in any discipline who have a grasp of introductory psychology and biology.

Behavioral Intervention in Human Problems

1st Edition
September 24, 2013
Henry C. Rickard
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 1 8 6 7 2 6

Intervention in Human Problems focuses on behavioral modification or behavior therapy movement, including the techniques it encompasses. This book is divided into five sections. The first section provides an overview of behavioral modification, and then presents comments on the studies regarding this subject. Comments include historical perspectives, modeling adaptive behavior, and range of behavior therapy. This text then discusses the environment control programs, such as that for emotionally disturbed child. Programs for legal offenders and institutional programs for the seriously disturbed are also presented in this book. This text will be valuable to social scientists, psychologists, and human behavior specialists. Students of psychology, sociology, and human ecology will also benefit from this selection.

By Bread Alone

1st Edition
September 24, 2013
Lester R. Brown + 1 more
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 7 9 2 5 1

By Bread Alone is an interdisciplinary analysis of the global food situation and food production prospects. It examines the problems posed by the new international order, as well as the policy alternatives open to mankind. It also discusses the role of the United States, the world's breadbasket, in addressing the food crisis, particularly in shaping the "rules of the game" for access to raw materials, for expanding production, and for establishing global reserves. Comprised of 17 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the changing face of food shortage, together with the history and geography of malnutrition. The evolution of agriculture and famine in human history are considered, along with the impact of population growth and rising affluence on food supply. Subsequent chapters explore how the world's food systems are being undermined by ecological events such as climate change, deforestation, and eutrophication of lakes and streams; the growing problem of food insecurity; and the global politics of food scarcity. The next section deals with four basic resources relevant to food supply: land, water, energy, and fertilizer. Finally, policy recommendations aimed at addressing the global food problem are given. This monograph will be of interest to politicians and policymakers.

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