Research groups of G. I. Chelpanov: historical-psychological study

Abstract

In the context of the problem of institutionalization of the Russian and Soviet psychology of the early XX century, the research is conducted on the peculiarities of organizing scientific work under the leadership of G. I. Chelpanov. For determination of the composition and characteristics of the research groups created by him, the author carries out biographical and bibliographic analysis of personal written documents, materials that characterizes the official activity of the scholars and communities, historical-psychological works dedicated to life and research activity of G. I. Chelpanov. The three scientific-educational bases for the creation of research groups headed by Chelpanov are highlighted: the Psychological Seminary at the Department of Philosophy of the Imperial University of St. Vladimir in Kiev (1897–1907), the Psychological Seminary at the Imperial Moscow University (1907–1912), and the Institute of Psychology named after L. G. Shchukina (1912–1923). The staff composition of the research groups is revealed. The novelty of this article lies in the description of G. I. Chelpanov as the pioneer of the Russian psychological science and education, who duly appreciated teamwork at the stage of establishment of psychology as big science in the early XX century. The traces the succession of the staff composition of research groups ,as well as the subject of reports and research conducted by the members of the collective, according to the plan developed by the leader G. I. Chelpanov, primarily in the scope of general psychology. It is demonstrated that in the course of socially significant activity, on the collective basis were resolved the tasks of training of competent philosophers and psychologists, and later of implementation of the research program on the development of theoretical-methodological  fundamentals of the empirical research of psyche. The authors underline the importance of individual approach implemented by Chelpanov in working with the scientific associates aimed at the development of their creative skills.