The evolution of epistemology and concepts in an interactive-generative-reflective practice:The importance of small differences
Document Type
Journal Article
Publisher
Kluwer Academic
Faculty
Faculty of Computing, Health and Science
School
School of Psychology
RAS ID
159
Abstract
Using a contextualist epistemology, it would be expected that regional differences in community psychology would develop over time. It is argued that the epistemology and theory of Western Australian community psychology, while largely based on North American approaches, has developed its own idiosyncracies. These developed through the integration of practice and theory in an “iterative-generative” fashion. The process of development is conceptualized in terms of Schön's and Altman's distinctions between foundational knowledge, and professional and socially responsive knowledge (I. Altman, 1996; D. A. Schön, 1983). It has also been characterized as an incremental development based on the reflection on tacit and conceptual knowledge. From the small differences that have developed between regions, a dialogue can emerge that will better allow understanding of how social forces shape people's actions.
DOI
10.1023/A:1015855801188
Comments
Bishop, B. J., Sonn, C. C., Drew, N. M., & Contos, N. E. (2002). The evolution of epistemology and concepts in an iterative-generative reflective practice: The importance of small differences. American Journal of Community Psychology, 30(4), 493-510. Available here.