Network for Critical Psychology and Practice Research
The network wellcomes everyone with an ongoing interest in critical psychology and practice research (Holzkamp 1991; Holzkamp-Osterkamp 1991). Theoretical and methodological issues, questions, and, concerns are taken up in relation to issues of health & illness, subjectivity, learning/teaching, professional practice, provision of health care, etc. The members of the network are senior researchers, postdocs, PhDs, master students, and clinicians based at Dept. of Psychology SDU, Dept. of Clinical Research SDU/OUH, and University College Lillebælt.
Network seminars
We aim for two hour seminars four times a year. The main purpose of the seminars is to provide a forum for the study of foundational texts in critical psychology and for discussions on theory and methodology in relation to participants ongoing projects, activities, challenges, and concerns. Head of the network coordinates activities, while participants provide input and take turns planning the agenda and associated readings. The structure of seminars vary according to the agenda and may include short presentations, around-the-table contributions, open discussions, and collaboration on publications or other projects.
Critical psychology and theories of social practice
Members of the network are interested in the foundational categories and analytic potentials of critical psychology. More broadly members are inspired by theories of social practice, participation, and subjectivity, for example in philosophy, anthropology, and sociology.
Practice research
As a methodology practice research builds on the epistemic framework of critical psychology and constitutes a particular version of what is widely known as action research. This methodology aims to generate knowledge about practice in collaboration with those concerned, e.i. users and their significant others, clinicians, educators, leaders, interest groups, etc. Critical psychological practice research has been conducted in Denmark since the 1980’es in diverse fields such as therapy and social work, paedagogy, health, and organisational psychology. Foundational texts were published by researchers at Freie Universität, Berlin, from the 1960’s and 1970’es.
References
Holzkamp, K. (1991). Societal and Individual Life Processes. In C. W. Tolman & W. Maiers (Eds.), Critical Psychology. Contributions to an Historical Science of the Subject (pp. 50-64). Cambridge University Press.
Holzkamp-Osterkamp, U. (1991). Emotion, Cognition, and Action Potence. In C. W. Tolman & W. Maiers (Eds.), Critical Psychology. Contributions to an Historical Science of the Subject (pp. 102-133). Cambridge University Press.
For more information
Lotte Huniche, MA & PhD, Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Psychology, SDU, lhuniche@health.sdu.dk
Helle Marie Christensen, Cand.Scient.San. & PhD, nurse researcher, Asst. Prof., Dept. of Clinical Research/OUH, helle.marie.christensen@rsyd.dk