Situational Analysis

Abstract

Situational analysis is a framework for professional practice and research in educational psychology. The process is guided by a set of practice principles requiring that psychologists’ work is evidence-based, ecological, collaborative and constructive. The framework is designed to provide direction for psychologists who wish to tailor their fieldwork to the diverse situations in which they work. Situational analysis supports psychologists to recognize and work with diversity in the educational community at individual and systems levels and to undertake research projects. The open and collaborative, rather than prescriptive, consultation process supports the development of unique solutions for particular situations. It checks that interventions are built on the supportive features of referral situations. The framework has two aspects, style, the particular theoretical orientation and structure, the problem-solving method used to track information through from referral to intervention. The framework guides psychologists to focus their projects and determine the salient dimensions of referral situations. It invites them to propose evidence-supported relationships between the dimensions for the purpose of determining the most constructive interventions. Psychologists are encouraged to prepare to use this flexible framework through the acquisition of a broad range of educational, psychological and professional knowledge.