Frederick J. Wertz

Phenomenological Research Methods for Counseling Psychology.

This article familiarizes counseling psychologists with qualitative research methods in psychology developed in the tradition of European phenomenology. A brief history includes some of Edmund Husserl’s basic methods and concepts, the adoption of existential-phenomenology among psychologists, and the development and formalization of qualitative research procedures in North America. The choice points and alternatives in phenomenological research in psychology are delineated. The approach is illustrated by a study of a recovery program for persons repeatedly hospitalized for chronic mental illness. Phenomenological research is compared with other qualitative methods, and some of its benefits for counseling psychology are identified. Phenomenology is a qualitative research method originally developed by the philosopher Edmund Husserl. In the tradition of Giambattista Vico, Franz Brentano, and William Dilthey, Husserl broadened the concepts and methods of modern science to include the study of consciousness, profoundly influencing philosophy, other humanities, and the social sciences throughout the 20th century. Husserl formulated scientific methods that are uniquely fashioned to assist psychological researchers in the investigation of human experience and behavior.

The Findings and Value of a Descriptive Approach To Everyday Perceptual Process

A descriptive study of everyday perceptual process emerged out of a dialogue with the New Look school of psychology which emphasized the necessity of achieving a closeness to life, an inclusion of the person, and a unification with other psychological subfields in the study of perception (Wertz, In press, a). The present exposition will take a skeletal sampling of the findings as a point of departure for a discussion of the value of such a descriptive approach. We will briefly review its contribution to a continuing dialogue with the New Look, traditional perceptual psychology, and the phenomenological description of perception.

The Role of the Humanistic Movement in the History of Psychology

A review of history of psychology textbooks shows that humanistic psychology is in crisis. Although well understood and respected by some, it is inadequately understood and dismissed by many. The value of the movement is shown to hinge on whether it faithfully embodies the historical tradition of humanism, provides an appropriate philosophical foundation for psychology, asserts relevant critiques of contemporary psychology, affords the discipline theoretical unity, offers rigorous research methodologies, bridges the gap between psychology and the humanities, and assumes leadership in socially reforming the depersonalizing tendencies of modern culture. It is argued that the best work in humanistic psychology has achieved these virtues, and that the major criticisms of the movement do not apply to this work. The contemporary crisis is attributed to sociological factors-inadequate institutional establishments necessary to gain historical impact.

Some Constituents of Descriptive Psychological Reflection

SummaryWe have attempted to delineate various components of the researchers participation in the reflection phase of descriptive psychology. The characteristic attitude or posture, operations for the comprehension of a particular event, and activities which achieve general knowledge have been touched upon. This presentation is a preliminary attempt to bring into view the complex process of analysis in descriptive research and is intended as an invitation to more faithful and detailed accounts of the process in the future.

The scientific status of psychology

Abstract An attempt is made to assess the scientific status of the discipline of psychology. Changes in the meaning of science which have occurred through the history of psychology are outlined. Three alternative models—natural science, non‐science, and human science—are critically evaluated. The human science approach provides the necessary theoretical clarity, methodological rigor, comprehensive unifying potential, and proper relations with the natural sciences, humanities, and technology. Socio‐cultural obstacles to psychologys becoming an authentic science are enumerated.

Of rats and psychologists: A study of the history and meaning of science

The relationship between psychology and rats is explored in connection with the pre-scientific lifeworld, where important motivational roots, historically changing cultural practices and far-reaching societal consequences of rat psychology are found. The pre-theoretical meanings of the rat entail its inimical Otherness opposing humanity, its unrelenting parasitic cohabitation with people, and its reflection of the inhumanity of the person. A historical analysis shows how, in coming to terms with the rat-induced Black Plague, humanity developed the practices of surveillance, analysis and control that culminated in the modern scientific transformation of the rat from a threat into a docile servant. The triumph over the rat-like in the human and in the rat itself aimed at by psycho-analysis and experimental psychology reveals humanitys attempt to overthrow its own evil by means of modem disciplinary structures. The societal ramifications of this psychology of one-way surveillance, analysis and control are found to contain a dehumanization in which the psychologists hidden rat-likeness threatens to destroy human subjectivity and freedom. In order to curtail the alienating trends in the historical trajectory of modern psychology, a science entailing reciprocity and mutual recognition between the scientist and humanity, leading to an owning of the rat-like as a part of existence, is suggested.

Representations of the “third force” in history of psychology textbooks

Abstract Twenty four history of psychology texts are examined in order to assess the treatment of the Third Force orientation. The form and length of presentation, the content of the coverage, the evaluation of the movement, and the potential impact on the future of psychology is found to vary greatly among different texts. The representations are found to be more complete and the evaluations more favorable insofar as historians recognize the movements ancient historical roots, modern philosophical/scientific foundations, diversity and unity of adherents, and research methodology. Recommendations for historians of psychology and for humanistic psychologists are offered.

Approaches to Perception in Phenomenological Psychology: The Alienation and Recovery of Perception in Modern Culture

Perception is so continually present, close to us, and diverse in its forms that it is one of the most challenging themes for psychological reflection. We are so captivated by what we perceive that the hows and whys remain in the background. In the wilderness of everyday life, perception can easily embarrass the investigator who ceases to take it for granted, for attempts at conceptualization seem alien, in one way too crude and in another too sophisticated in their complexity. Perception, therefore, tends to elude the grasp of knowledge and to remain a great mystery.

Freud's Case of the Rat Man Revisited: An Existential-Phenomenological and Socio-Historical Analysis

After reviewing Freuds 1909 case of the Rat Man, the form of the patients psychological life is analyzed from existential-phenomenological and socio-historical perspectives.The predominant structure of the analysands individual life is characterized by the image of an incarcerated criminal. Its constituents include power expropriation, devaluation of self, and epistemic disavowal and oblivion that are subject to intermittent overthrow by lightening strikes of disruptively revolting and irresponsible arrogance. This individual existential structure is traced to the collective structure of the panoptical institutions of modern society delineated by Foucault. An examination of anomalous data in Freuds case study, especially in his evening process notes, suggests a different though tentative and faint form of existence that is more proximally the patients own, one based on authentic care in the sense of Heidegger. Freuds psychoanalytic treatment ingeniously extends and implements the panoptical social order. However, key modifications of modern discipline embodied in psychoanalysis undermine dehumanization and liberate the patients subjectivity for a life of responsible action. Freuds interpersonal presence in this case shows such humanizing virtues as openness, respect, strength, mercy, trustworthiness, encouragement, and maternal acceptance at the heart of the therapeutic relationship.