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An enquiry into the hermeneutic-dialectic method of inquiry

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Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless

Abstract

The Hermeneutic-Dialectic (HD) Method is analyzed in terms of such theory construction issues as theory vs. method, necessary evidence, and process vs. content. Traditional experimental procedure is also contrasted with what takes place in the HD method. It is held that problems with traditional research in psychology stem from theory and not method. Questions are raised concerning data interpretation in the present research, and how such findings are settled upon in the first place. The paper closes with a discussion of stereotypy as reflecting the natural propensity for human beings to reason predicationally. This discussion draws on the tenets of logical learning theory.

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Rychlak, J.F. An enquiry into the hermeneutic-dialectic method of inquiry. J Soc Distress Homeless 5, 305–317 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02091655

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