ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors show that the most insightful research on exceptions exists in the field of literary biographies where the exceptions as well as problems are examined and contextualized. There are two prevalent types of research: quantitative and qualitative. Then there is descriptive or qualitative research such as research that describes certain relationship patterns prevalent in specific family organizations such as single-parent families. Traditional research is useful in making generalizations about large populations, but says very little about individual families. The research therapists also enjoyed their work, possibly because they were not responsible for providing therapy. They did not have to make hypotheses and interventions. The result of the research was a dramatic reduction or rehospitalization for the schizophrenic members during the research period—62% fewer relapses than the control group. Furthermore, there was a significant lowering of expressed emotion in the research group.
