Becoming a researcher. Dialogical-self based methods to the identity formation of postgraduate students

Abstract

Based on the dialogical-self theory the study aims to determine how a course based on identity development might contribute to changes in the I-positions of the participants. The study explores what changes did occur and also determine which devices contributed the most to the I-position's development of the students as researchers. The investigation was held within the course of the research line in an Official Master in Educational Psychology at a Spanish University. The findings suggest that there have been significant changes in the student's I-positions, specifically strengthening those related to research. The methods that have contributed the most were the role-playing, the after class reports, and the peer interview. Therefore, these findings contribute not only to a better understanding of the process of changing and developing I-positions as a way to become a researcher, but also to provide valuable educational methods to improve junior researchers' formation.