Unnecessary polarization between research traditions (basic vs. applied, experimental vs. correlational, and laboratory vs. field research) has resulted in extreme, nonproductive conflict between experimental rigor and policy relevance. The analogue model (described) grounds experimental studies in social problems without losing the unique…

Provides an initial statement of generic principles deemed effective for addressing protracted social conflicts between identity groups. These principles are compatible with certain values for societal organization and approaches to social change, raising questions of value differences between intervenors and the host culture(s). Three case…

Examines legal responses to the problem of media violence. Focuses on: (1) tension between evidence collected by social scientists and traditional First Amendment protections; and (2) legal actions against sexually violent materials to which social science research may be relevant. Suggests ways in which research may be most useful in establishing…

Reviews the majority of academic freedom and civil liberty cases on which the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) took action from 1936 to 1970 and concludes with a list of some of SPSSI's positive and negative experiences. Overall, SPSSI had made important positive contributions. (ETS)

Examines the justice claims made by opponents and proponents of affirmative action and argues the need to consider the scope of justice embedded in the affirmative action debate. It describes the scope of justice, factors causing its change over time, its application to the affirmative action controversy, and presents a table clarifying the…

Discusses recent research on the attitudes of employees who are affected by affirmative action to determine whether societal-level beliefs about discrimination lead to policy endorsement among individuals whose career outcomes are at stake. Suggests there is more endorsement than "backlash" against affirmative action, and discusses the…

Considers sexual harassment from the perspective of abuse of power, and discusses the possibility of having power within a situation that automatically and nonconsciously triggers a sexuality schema, just as racial or gender features automatically trigger stereotypes of that group. The possible origins of the automatic power/sex linkage and its…

Discusses the factors affecting the course of conflict as the orientation to the conflict of the parties involved, their personalities, the issues, and the conflict's sociocultural patterns. The article concludes with a discussion of the skills involved in constructive solutions and offers suggestions for research. (GLR)

Summarizes research concerning affirmative action's continued role in civil rights and presents broad themes relevant to discussions of affirmative action. It explores the central issue of federal policy on affirmative action in relation to fairness at the societal and individual levels. (GR)

Presents a conceptual framework considered necessary for social scientists and policymakers in designing and implementing fair and effective affirmative action programs. It defines and contrasts affirmative action with equal opportunity and argues why affirmative action is necessary if organizations are to be fair. Supportive empirical literature…