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Inquiry process in program development
Author(s) -
Tharp Roland G.,
Gallimore Ronald
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/1520-6629(198204)10:2<103::aid-jcop2290100202>3.0.co;2-9
Subject(s) - analogy , outcome (game theory) , process (computing) , action (physics) , development (topology) , epistemology , social enterprise , sociology , computer science , psychology , management science , engineering , political science , public relations , mathematics , mathematical economics , philosophy , physics , quantum mechanics , mathematical analysis , operating system
This article describes a model for research and development (R&D) programs for social action. R&D implies several features: (a) a complex social problem; (b) for which the solution is unknown; the development or invention of a solution which requires (c) some time; in which (d) some errors and corrections are anticipated; and in which (e) the process and epistemology of science governs the outcome. We propose a model of R&D drawn by analogy from ecology, and illustrated with the experiences and results of a ten‐year project. The model orders and clarifies the complex R&D enterprise, and identifies some conditions which are necessary if psychologists and social scientists are to responsibly advise public agencies.