Towards a comprehensive model of scientific research and professional practice in psychology

Abstract

In this article I present a model of associations between two social domains: The scientific research domain (here psychology) and the professional practice domain. In the former case, its quality is determined by social and individual methodological awareness (MA). I introduce my own definition of MA. What determines the validity and usefulness of practical actions undertaken by professionals (e.g., assessment, therapy) in the practice domain is the accurately constructed empirical theory high in descriptive power, explanatory power and predictive power. I propose a model (my own conceptualization) in which I analyze information flow between the domains of scientific research (psychology as a science) and professional practice (psychology as a profession). In the subsequent and final part I discuss my own model which links theory and practice: Scientific Research and Professional Practice in Psychology (SRPPP). The article ends with a presentation of three contexts in which the interrelationship between theory and practice is immersed: The ethical, psychological and cultural contexts.