The practical use of psychological information: a theory, and a study in teacher training

Abstract

Basic principles are linked to each step in what is proposed to be the most desirable way of applying knowledge fully to practical problems of the psyche. A model of the provenance of psychical phenomena is at the core of this. This analysis is used (a) to articulate what should be the roles of psychology and other sources in informing psychical fully – psychology is not necessary and never sufficient, and (b) as a standard to compare existing ways of relating practice to knowledge –the most cost effective use of psychology is to be generously eclectic and to take every step in the standard process. Doing for two practical problems proved feasible and showed that psychology, in the roles it can play and at its best, can provide crucial information for new practitioners, which they would not obtain from non-standard applications or experts in practice.