Hi I was over the limit, yesterday, so here's this ...
I disagree with Michael. Field observations (unless very sophisticated) and testimonials are no substitute for the stronger forms of information gathering we call research (field observations sometimes deserve that label). There are a whole host of measurement, sampling, and design issues that students must consider in evaluating such claims as those implied by the spanking article. In addition to those I mentioned earlier, for example, there would be the need to clearly define spanking and other forms of capital punishment. There would also be sampling issues ... even if the author was right about herself and her friends, for example, are they representative of blacks in general? And what about her claim that the roots of spanking derive from slavery? If we consider other cultures that engage in spanking and they do not have a history of slavery, then it might be what Blacks and such other cultures share (rather than slavery) that is responsible for the differential behavior. The thing I try to impress on students in these discussions is that we are trying to build a complex theory (nomological network to use an older terminology) and I will often map out a crude form of the theory while we engage in these discussions (e.g., culture *> spanking *> child behavior) and consider alternative possibilities for the pathways. Thinking like a scientific psychologist involves generating such hypothetical causal networks, figuring out ways to evaluate the connections, and (most importantly) appreciating that without such research we cannot KNOW the true state of affairs. Take care Jim James M. Clark Professor of Psychology 204-786-9757 204-774-4134 Fax j.cl...@uwinnipeg.ca >>> "michael sylvester" <msylves...@copper.net> 31-Aug-09 4:25:11 PM >>> The demand for references to support statements on Tips is beginning to drive me up the wall.As if the references will give validation to statements.Baloney can still be baloney despite references.I mean to find out whether black parents spank more all what one has to do is to comparative field observations and gather testimonials. Conclusions can be very definitive that no statistical analysis is necessary. Yep,through multiple primary and secondary observations black parents do spank their kids for misbehavior and the kid may get an additional spanking by others in the hierarchical extended family. As the cross-cultural dude(in addition to other accolades) on Tips,the reason for this differential is that whites are more likely to experience "guilt" emotions and blacks the social emotion of "shame". These are correlates are connected with the presentation of the self.In other words,black parents view misbehavior as a violation of their self-ideal of proper versus improper public and family behavior.White parents are more likely to think in terms of long terms effects and hence guilt. A white parent will take a child to Toyr R Us and that child could be throwing a row of toys to the ground and that wgite woman will tell the child "Honey,why you do that? Mama loves you." This is not likely to be a response from the black parents.Interestingly enough Developmental psychologists areresponsible for invocating guilt and "vague premonitions of disaster" if parents become too disciplinary.And this was not help by Bettelheim who blamed parents' behavior for autism.And the guilt began. Black parents may still adhere to the adage of St.Paul "Spare the rod,spoil the child." Send me nothing. Michael Sylvester,PhD --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly (bsouthe...@frostburg.edu) --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly (bsouthe...@frostburg.edu)
