Bill Powers, I think you're dead on about the limitations of material
data we can obtain. Modeling goes further, as Max Weber laid out when
he described two goals of modeling: causal adequacy and adequacy on
the level of meaning. Models become useful when we put meaning into
them. We cannot materially measure meanings.
When I hear students saying that ALL I want is their opinion on exams,
I'm reminded of academic resistance to reasoned discourse on how to
fill in the meanings. That, I propose, is an art/science in its own
right.
I have been trying to describe the mindset I find myself adopting as I
work within PCT. I find myself there in the same mindset as I have
otherwise modeled as "violence." I find another model by its side.
When I explain "control" within its frame, I find I get more of the
consequences I seek, as against confirming fear and distrust of others
as I live within the violent control model.
Time for another pause...l&p hal