The educational psychologist as practitioner-researcher: Reality or dream?

Abstract

AbstractIt is almost five years since the publication of the Special Edition ofEducational and Child Psychology, 15(3)that contextualised the debate on the new paradigm methods for would-be educational psychology practitioner-researchers. Despite the exciting and constructive message conveyed, numerous studies, both concurrent and subsequent to the Special Edition, suggest that, whilst practitioner research is happening, it has still not become a demonstrable reality for the majority of educational psychologists and their services. More recent publications on the state of education research in general and the official Scottish review of the educational psychologist’s role that includes the research remit, add a fresh dimension to the discussion. In addition, the current uncertain climate for professional educational psychology practice is a function of a number of ongoing shifts in paradigms, training, professional role expectations, and legislation, and these factors may be contributing to this lack of progress as well as creating unprecedented opportunities. With particular reference to the context of educational psychology in Scotland, this paper reviews existing and new literature, and focuses on identifying the helps and hindrances to the development of a research ethos and practice within psychological services.