Patterns of Life History

William A. Owens, Michael D. Mumford, Garnett S. Stokes, Garnett Stokes

"...a valuable contribution to the fields of social psychology and personology. Research investigators in these areas will profit from a close reading of the authors' critical discussions and reviews of the relevant research."—American Scientist"For psychologists who are concerned with human individuality, this is a landmark book....One cannot but be impressed with the careful attention to detail throughout this monumental research undertaking...without question a major contribution....The book warrants attention for the research it facilitates as well as for the research it reports.—Contemporary Psychology"This well-written book...[is] a useful addition to graduate collections."—CHOICE

• Contents: E.A. Fleishman, Foreword. Approaches to the Study of Individuality: Science and Individuality. Studies of Individual Development and Their Implications. A Prototype Alternative for the Description of Individuality. Background Data in Formulating Prototypes. General Methods and Bias Checks. Cross-Sectional Results. Sequential Results. The Composite Summary Dimensions. Description of the Composite Prototypes. Evaluation of Composite Prototypes. Comparative Findings. Theoretical Implications: A General View of Human Individuality. Technical Implications: Methodological Considerations in the Description of Human Individuality. Practical Implementation Strategies for Applying the Prototype Model. Retrospective and Parting Comments.