What sparks a psychologist's interest in a certain phenomenon? Is it a symptom, a syndrome, a treatment, the usual, the exceptional, the group, the individual? An epistemologist, for example, focuses on the group and delivers group results. The clinician has to focus on the patient, although the patient may be perceived as one of a group (e.g., all patients with the same disease). The patient usually focuses on the clinician, but can take other opinions into account; especially, when the clinician is not considered to be the only authority. These dynamics - observable in therapy as well as in research - are critically reflected in this book, not only highlighting differences, but also commonalities individuals share: They all filter information and concentrate on certain aspects according to their socialization. They all have different expectations and can, yet, all deal with the same objective. Communication and building relationships seem to be vital - this book aims to support this quest by moving from the universal to the particular.

Innovative research requires courageous methods. With this in mind, Courageous Methods in Cultural Psychology invites students and post-graduate researchers to develop methods that will let them grasp phenomena of interest more fully. Readers will learn how to use established methods, and may be asked to develop them further by combining single steps of extant procedures, or by taking a completely new approach to data collection and analysis. In this book, diverse researchers present projects in which they have tried to do just that. A comprehensive process - from narrowing down research questions to collecting and analyzing data - is given in detail, followed by critical reflections on how well the authors have understood and shared complex realities. Project presentations are framed by theoretical chapters that deal with the challenges and opportunities of cultural psychology and interdisciplinary research. Courageous Methods in Cultural Psychology is sure to inspire and encourage those who wish to venture on new roads "into the wild."

Scientists from six countries, well known for their work in the field of identity research, explain and comment on methodological approaches used to research identity. This book concentrates on qualitative methods, such as narrative identity analysis or semi-structured interviewing techniques to determine identity status, as well as the quantitative method of using questionnaires. It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these methods and their future integration. The reader will learn about qualitative and quantitative research and discover the similarities and differences between the methods of researching identity, depending on research with methodological roots in one field, the other, or both. Chapters include: * James E. Marcia presents his latest thoughts and experiences regarding the identity status concept and focuses on the Identity Status Interview (ISI) as a method to obtain empirical access to ego identity development. * Guenter Mey presents a case study from his project "Adolescence, Identity, Narration" based on problem-centered interviews and the specific interviewing, transcription, and data analysis procedures utilized. * Mechthild Kiegelmann introduces the Voice Approach, a qualitative-oriented research method developed by Carol Gilligan, Lyn Brown, and their colleagues, which can be applied to identity research. * Luc Goossens and Koen Luyckx present their results, which are mostly based on questionnaires offering a broad range of data analyses. * Wim Meeus, the author of the Utrecht-Groningen Identity Development Scale, and Minet de Wied offer an overview of twenty-five years of research on relationships with parents and identity in adolescence.

Scientists from six countries, well known for their work in the field of identity research, explain and comment on methodological approaches used to research identity. This book concentrates on qualitative methods, such as narrative identity analysis or semi-structured interviewing techniques to determine identity status, as well as the quantitative method of using questionnaires. It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these methods and their future integration. The reader will learn about qualitative and quantitative research and discover the similarities and differences between the methods of researching identity, depending on research with methodological roots in one field, the other, or both. Chapters include: _

While 'identity' is a key concept in psychology and the social sciences, researchers have used and understood this concept in diverse and often contradictory ways. The Cambridge Handbook of Identity presents the lively, multidisciplinary field of identity research as working around three central themes: (i) difference and sameness between people; (ii) people's agency in the world; and (iii) how identities can change or remain stable over time. The chapters in this collection explore approaches behind these themes, followed by a close look at their methodological implications, while examples from a number of applied domains demonstrate how identity research follows concrete analytical procedures. Featuring an international team of contributors who enrich psychological research with historical, cultural, and political perspectives, the handbook also explores contemporary issues of identity politics, diversity, intersectionality, and inclusion. It is an essential resource for all scholars and students working on identity theory and research.

While 'identity' is a key concept in psychology and the social sciences, researchers have used and understood this concept in diverse and often contradictory ways. The Cambridge Handbook of Identity presents the lively, multidisciplinary field of identity research as working around three central themes: (i) difference and sameness between people; (ii) people's agency in the world; and (iii) how identities can change or remain stable over time. The chapters in this collection explore approaches behind these themes, followed by a close look at their methodological implications, while examples from a number of applied domains demonstrate how identity research follows concrete analytical procedures. Featuring an international team of contributors who enrich psychological research with historical, cultural, and political perspectives, the handbook also explores contemporary issues of identity politics, diversity, intersectionality, and inclusion. It is an essential resource for all scholars and students working on identity theory and research.

By traveling to different parts of the world, this book provides a multidisciplinary perspective on the current state of adolescent education and demonstrates how education systems are formed by and closely tied to culture. After establishing a theoretical background, the book delves into the particulars of adolescent education and its associated challenges in six countries (India, Kenya, Germany, Brazil, Japan, and Denmark). In tandem with the discussion of institutions, the stories of those who are all too often underserved or left behind are told. Despite the diversity of each education system, the investigation reveals several unifying themes that transcend the specific contexts. The lessons from each example are woven together to demonstrate how the individualized needs of students can best be met, in a vision for the future of educating adolescents."

Innovative research requires courageous methods. With this in mind, Courageous Methods in Cultural Psychology invites students and post-graduate researchers to develop methods that will let them grasp phenomena of interest more fully. Readers will learn how to use established methods, and may be asked to develop them further by combining single steps of extant procedures, or by taking a completely new approach to data collection and analysis. In this book, diverse researchers present projects in which they have tried to do just that. A comprehensive process — from narrowing down research questions to collecting and analyzing data — is given in detail, followed by critical reflections on how well the authors have understood and shared complex realities. Project presentations are framed by theoretical chapters that deal with the challenges and opportunities of cultural psychology and interdisciplinary research. Courageous Methods in Cultural Psychology is sure to inspire and encourage those who wish to venture on new roads “into the wild.”

What sparks a psychologist's interest in a certain phenomenon? Is it a symptom, a syndrome, a treatment, the usual, the exceptional, the group, the individual? An epistemologist, for example, focuses on the group and delivers group results. The clinician has to focus on the patient, although the patient may be perceived as one of a group (e.g., all patients with the same disease). The patient usually focuses on the clinician, but can take other opinions into account; especially, when the clinician is not considered to be the only authority. These dynamics - observable in therapy as well as in research - are critically reflected in this book, not only highlighting differences, but also commonalities individuals share: They all filter information and concentrate on certain aspects according to their socialization. They all have different expectations and can, yet, all deal with the same objective. Communication and building relationships seem to be vital - this book aims to support this quest by moving from the universal to the particular.