The Hidden Obstacles to Research and Testing in the Arab Society of Yemen

Abstract

Sociologists, psychologists and their colleagues in the other human sciences in The Arab World can hardly claim of having employed their scientific knowledge to study and solve the problems facing their societies. It seems that they are not only frustrated, but many of them seem to have come to the sad conclusion that it is a waste of time to devote ones life for the study and work in such specialties. That is why, only a small minority of them are known to be preoccupied with sociological or psychological issues. Only a few are grappling with the problem of theory validation and with the problem of testing and measurement. Despite the need for the most basic information and explanation regarding all sociological and psychological phenomena, and despite the many problems which need urgent attention and solutions, the majority are either lethargic or busying themselves with activities that contribute little to knowledge or to the societies concerns.