Divergence between community psychologists in academic and nonacademic settings: A closer look at the implications

Abstract

In a recent article in this journal, we reported data indicating that a substantial tension exists between community psychologists whose primary affiliation is with academic settings and those whose primary affiliations are elsewhere. The implications o f these findings are explored in light o f three articles commenting on our work. I f the distinctiveness o f community psychology stems in part f r o m the collaborative and setting-based nature o f research and intervention processes, then the present tension within the field should be seen as more harmful than healthy. Several sources o f this tension are examined in some detail. It is argued that p r o a c t i v e efforts must be made to improve communication and contact among community psychologists f r o m diverse settings if we are to avoid having our work poorly informed by the existing knowledge bases in research a n d practice.

Action research for the late 1980s

“…Nonetheless, even among those disciplines with Lewinian roots, notably community psychology, the struggle to bring academic and applied work into closer touch continues. (See Dorr, 1986;Elias, Dalton, Franco, & Howe, 1986). Lewin's legacy is still working itself out.…”

The academic/nonacademic squabble: An even closer look

“…They go on to correct me, pointing out that in the Kuhnian framework exemplars refer to "works [italics added] that constitute a feasible example, within existing routes of information exchange, of the proper goals, methods and values of the discipline." (Elias et al, 1986). ~1 thank Drs.…”

“…A major part of the conflict seems to emanate from the use of the term exenwlar. In their response, Elias et al (1986) argue that I used the term exemplary in its common meanings, that is, admirable, etc. They go on to correct me, pointing out that in the Kuhnian framework exemplars refer to "works [italics added] that constitute a feasible example, within existing routes of information exchange, of the proper goals, methods and values of the discipline."…”

“…Perhaps this old model (exemplar in Kuhn's meaning) for assessing excellence is not appropriate to community psychology. Elias et al (1986) argue that even Darwin would have had to disseminate his findings (publish) among the community of scholars in order to be exemplary in the Kuhnian sense. (In the Kuhnian sense, Darwin would not be exemplary, but his work might be!)…”