The link between empirical research, epistemic values, and psychological practice

Abstract

In the past few years, evidence has suggested that most psychological practitioners rarely consult empirical research to guide practice. The present study links the research-practice hiatus with those developments in the philosophy of science that question the epistemological underpinnings of mainstream psychological research. A random sample (N = 125) of practising psychologists in South Australia were surveyed regarding their levels of research consumption and utilisation. Consistent with other recent studies it was found mat practitioners consume little research, and use it even less in their practice. Other sources of knowledge were rated as more useful than empirical research. Epistemic values were found to be related to actual research-related behaviour. These results are discussed in the context of developments in the philosophy of science. It was concluded mat the gap between scientific research and psychological practice could be lessened by continued development and dissemination of new methodologies that account for the complexity of human beings.