Scientist versus Practitioner-An abridged meta-analysis of the changing role of psychologists

Author： Chang Kirk Lee I.-Ling Ann Hargreaves Terri

ISSN： 1469-3674

Source： Counselling Psychology Quarterly, Vol.21, Iss.3, 2008-09, pp. : 267-291

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Abstract

This study investigated factors of conflicting expectations and roles of the current psychology practitioners, as well as how these factors were associated with the founding principles of the scientist-practitioner model. Data were gathered from ten published journal articles and then interpreted using an abridged meta-analysis methodology. Results revealed: (a) the scientist-practitioner model needs to adapt to survive, preferably with the aim of becoming more versatile; (b) The majority of graduate level clinical psychology training programs are based on a flawed version of the scientist-practitioner model, which renders the training inadequate and ineffective; (c) The identity of clinical psychology should remain firmly grounded in mental health care, and so not encroach on the territory of any other psychological divisions. Implications of these findings and suggestions for psychology practitioners are also discussed.