1. Using this site as a resource base
If are using this site to develop your knowledge of Spiral Dynamics, 4Q/8L, the models
of Neuro-
However, the process of developing Integrated SocioPsychology is a slow one. With
much of the material on the site having been developed as teaching materials for
the delivery of A-
For
academic students...a fundamental difference...
If you are using this site to find
information/resources for studying academic qualifications, then you can rest assured
that the material on this site will stand up to rigorous academic scrutiny.
However, you will find that several of the Integrated SocioPsychology/'real world'
applications of Psychology and Sociology espoused on this site are non-
Students need to be aware of a fundamental difference between pages on this site
and what is generally found in ‘academia’. Integrated SocioPsychology works to align
the different approaches in the behavioural sciences. However, the tendency in academia
-
Overall this may not be much help in sorting out 'real world' problems but, to some degree, it is valid from a scientific point of view. Part of the scientist's role is to test ideas and challenge 'givens', develop new theories and modify or even refute existing ones.
Unfortunately the history of the behavioural sciences is littered with professional challenges that developed into rather unprofessional disputes and conflicts. However, without the willingness to challenge existing ideas, the development of knowledge tends to be rather slow!
Also, there is the issue that sometimes what is taught in academia is influenced
by what is ‘in vogue’. As Paul Feyeraband (1975) points out, what is accepted in
academia is sometimes influenced by who shouts loudest rather than the quality of
the work. One of the most potent examples of the divide between academia and the
‘real world’ is the way Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is almost ignored in
the current A-
Students interested in developing their understanding of the behavioural sciences beyond the exam specifications will find a wealth of information to deepen your understanding of Psychology and Sociology and how they can be applied practically to make a positive difference in the lives of ‘real people’. Consequently, you may find your exam board specification limiting and frustrating.
What this site is not
It is not an online text book for any particular exam board specification.
It reflects the 2 reasons the material on it has been created...
- The development and promotion of Integrated SocioPsychology, based around certain key theories and models
- Materials for my A-
Level students to access as part of their studies - as such they reflect the exam board specifications being followed at the time. Thus, while they were designed for academic purposes, I cannot guarantee that, at any one point in time, they are 100% up to date. Topic mind maps with a red banner at the top will have been updated more recently those with a blue banner are older but will still contain valuable material for those studying in the behavioural sciences
Students are strongly recommended to be familiar enough with your chosen exam board specification to work out what you can use from this site in your studies and what is beyond the specification. If in doubt, ask your teacher. If your teacher is in doubt, they are invited to get in touch with me via the Contact page.
Using this site as a resource base
This site contains topic pages on models and theories, articles and features on topics,
case studies, key studies and topic mind maps -
Topic mind maps form a substantial number of the resources for those studying for
academic qualifications. They are intended as skeletal outlines of key points on
which students can build a body of substantial revision notes. To help with this,
many branches contain extra hidden detail. Simply click on the pen & paper
symbol
to reveal the 'hidden notes'!
Other symbols and colour codes used are as follows:-
- Branches in standard black text provide basic information on theories, concepts and experiments/investigations/studies
- Branches in green with a tick
symbol provide supporting evidence for a concept and/or
theory - Branches in red with a red stop
sign symbol provide evidence which does not support
and may even contradict findings, a concept and/or theory - Branches in dark blue with a question mark
indicate further research is required - Branches in purple with a bomb
symbol call into question assumptions being made - Branches in black with a caution
sign indicate some further care needed - Branches in black with a green arrow
symbolise one thing leading to another - Branches in light blue with a book
symbol indicate a link to detailed key study -eg: in APFCC format (Aims, Procedures, Findings, Conclusions, Criticisms)
(To refresh yourself about the meaning of the symbols, simply click the Icon Legend
pop-
Although a key aim of this site is to provide resources which meet academic standards,
another aim is to make them user-
Students viewing these pages who do find any discrepancies between the resources
and what has been taught in their classes -
Teachers who find any error in the resources -
All mind maps, graphics and articles are created/written by myself unless credited otherwise and are subject to the usual copyright restrictions. Please get in touch via the Contact page if you are unsure whether your use of the resources will breach copyright.
2. Using this site to learn how I can help you
The Services pages contain the portfolio of Consultancy, Training, Coaching & Mentoring and Therapy & Counselling services I offer on a commercial basis. In these pages you can also find a number of case studies of the work I have done. All the services I offer are fully customisable to the client’s needs. Please get in touch via the Contact page to discuss your specific needs.
In the Career pages, you will find a detailed overview of my time in consultancy, training and counselling/therapy.
