Abstract
In this chapter, we consider models of behavioral and social sciences that will best inform interventions and public policy pertaining to male violence against women (MVAW). The behavioral and social sciences comprise a broad range of disciplines including psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, public health, criminology and criminal justice,law, geography, and economics, and we focus on a question that is germane to all: Will traditional models of scientific research produce knowledge adequate to direct the development of effective interventions aimed at reducing the scope and consequences of MVAW? To answer this question, we examine assumptions underlying the application of science to social problems generally and specifically. We also catalogue the critical needs and challenges for scientific intervention in MVAW. We define intervention broadly to include preventive and treatment interventions and public policies that target behavioral regularities at the individual and group levels, as well as within settings. We conclude that strict adherence to traditional models of science are limiting. Progress will be fostered if social and behavioral sciences researchers transcend basic and applied science distinctions and adopt an action-research orientation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)
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