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MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage. *Research; *Research Methodology; *Social Psychology; *Social Theories In recent years there have been a few systematic attempts to restructure social psychology in which al/ have concurred that there is a dearth of provocative and meaningful theoretical contributions in contemporary social psychology. Current theories are unnecessarily limited in scope. These theories are fragmented, have limited implications, lack a common framework, and fail to explicate underlying assumptive bases. Contemporary social psychological theorizing is dominated by the practice of working with theories (verification) instead of working on theories (explanation). Whereas the former practice casts theory in a role secondary to data collection by neglecting extrascientific influences, the latter incorporates sociohistorical determinants thereby elevating theory to a position of fundamental importance in the description of social life. Consequences of continued allegiance to working with theories include lack of applicability to everyday life, an overemphasis on variables, and the neglect of meaning. The solution is not to end experiments or the hypotheticodeductive method, but to offset the relative inattention paid to theoretial endeavors. Working on theories will require a major shift in the primary activities of many persons engaged in social psychological research which will engender a flexibility that will contribute to an enriched understanding of social life. (An extensive reference list is included.) (Author/ABL) *********************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * ****************************************************I******1-*********** Working With Versus Working On Theories in Social Psychology Jerry I. Shaw and Carol Woodward California State University, Northridge U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL PESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) iiffhis document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. 0 Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or upinions stated inthis docu . ment do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. PERM:SS:ON TO REPRUILICE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY cfAfee..} TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC). Running head: Working With Versus Working on Theories Requests for reprints should be sent to Jerry I. Shaw, Department of Psychology, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, California 91330. 2 citST COPY AVAILABLE Working With Versus Working On Theories
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