A HERMENEUTIC EXPLORATION OF AND PROPOSED SOLUTION TO THE SCHISM BETWEEN RESEARCHERS AND CLINICIANS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Abstract

Fragmentation in the field of psychology has persisted throughout its history (Slife, 2000). One example of this fragmentation is the gap between researchers and clinicians (Teachman, Drabick, Hershenberg, Vivian, & Wolfe 2012). Although many attempts have been made to bridge this gap, there is still no consensus regarding its resolution. This dissertation provides an explanation for the gap at the philosophical level and provides a method for communicating across potentially incommensurable philosophies, based on Gadamer’s (1960/1989) hermeneutic opus: Truth and Method.