In a recent paper we (Speelman & McGann, 2013) argued that psychology’s reliance on data analysis methods that are based on group averages has resulted in a science of group phenomena that may be misleading about the nature of and reasons for individual behaviour. The paper highlighted a tension between a science in search of general laws on the one hand, and the individual, variable, and diverse nature of human behaviour on the other. This Research Topic explored this concern about the pitfalls of using the mean for the basis of psychological science. The problem is universal in its applicability to psychology, and opinion papers, reviews, and original empirical research from all areas of the discipline were invited. A total of 16 authors contributed 9 articles to the Topic. The range of issues that the authors viewed through the lens provided is impressive. The papers in this collection include a range of perspectives that provide concrete examples of how to approach research design, data collection, and analysis differently. No one contribution will provide a solution to our multifarious challenges, but nor should it. Our subject matter is complex and subtle, our investigations and methodological techniques will need to be equally so.

This book focuses on structural changes and economic modeling. It presents papers describing how to model structural changes, as well as those introducing improvements to the existing before-structural-changes models, making it easier to later on combine these models with techniques describing structural changes. The book also includes related theoretical developments and practical applications of the resulting techniques to economic problems. Most traditional mathematical models of economic processes describe how the corresponding quantities change with time. However, in addition to such relatively smooth numerical changes, economical phenomena often undergo more drastic structural change. Describing such structural changes is not easy, but it is vital if we want to have a more adequate description of economic phenomena – and thus, more accurate and more reliable predictions and a better understanding on how best to influence the economic situation.

This publication, Our Fragile World: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development, presents perspectives of several important subjects that are covered in greater detail and depth in the Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS). The contributions to the two volumes provide an integrated presentation of knowledge and worldviews related to the state of: Earth's natural resources, social resources, institutional resources, and economic and financial resources. They present the vision and thinking of over 200 authors in support of efforts to solve the complex problems connected with sustainable development, and to secure perennial life support on "The Blue Planet'. These contributions are holistic, informative, forward looking, and will be of interest to a broad readership. This volume presents contributions with focus on the Natural and Social Dimensions of sustainable Development in to two sections: NATURAL SYSTEMS AND RESOURCES (Natural Systems and Climate Change ; - Natural Resources Management). - SOCIO-CULTURAL ISSUES (Human Security, Peace, and Socio-Cultural issues; Equity and Ethical issues).

The discipline of school psychology has been shaped over the course of its existence by a series of professional and scientific controversies, and by how researchers and practitioners have responded to those controversies. Should there be an entry-level degree requirement for school psychologists? What should a school psychologist's role be with regard to student mental health? Should school psychologists work outside of school settings? Designed for students entering school psychology training programs, Introduction to School Psychology: Controversies and Current Practice examines the debates that have influenced the nature and scope of the profession, and that continue to do so today. This edited textbook is divided into five sections, the first of which describes current practices. The second offers coverage of ethics and relevant legal concerns for school psychologists; cultural competence; and consultation. The third section provides readers with the theoretical foundations of practice and includes a brief chapter on theoretical orientations. The fourth and largest section of the book examines the controversies that shape practice, presenting chapters on idiographic and nomothetic approaches; diagnostic frameworks; assessment and treatment of behavioral disorders; and much more. The final section of the book focuses on contexts and the future of the profession, with chapters on practice in urban and rural communities, technology, and the Futures Conferences.

Cultural and cross-cultural psychology and research continue to make strong contributions to mainstream psychology. Researchers and theoreticians from all parts of the globe increasingly contribute to this endeavor, enabling cultural and cross-cultural psychology and research to be one of the most exciting areas of study in psychology. This book describes the continued evolution and advancement of the main research domains of cultural and cross-cultural psychology. Renowned authors not only review the state-of-the-art in their respective fields but also describe the challenges and opportunities that their respective research domains face in the future. New chapters cover the teaching of a culturally informed psychology and the increasing changes and advancements of cultures and societies around the world and their impact on individual psychologies. This volume covers standard areas of well-studied concepts such as development, cognition, emotion, personality, psychopathology, psychotherapy, and acculturation, as well as emerging areas such as multicultural identities, cultural neuroscience, and religion. It is a must read for all culturally informed scholars, both beginning and experienced.