Constructing the Subject: South African Psychological Research before World War II

Abstract

Thirty-three journal articles reporting empirical findings published by South African psychologists before 1939 were examined to establish the dominant research models of the time. Danziger's study provided the initial impetus as well as methodological guidelines. Findings indicate that three models of research were present, but that one, the Galtonian form of experimentation, soon dominated the field. One possible explanation is to be found in the early involvement of South African psychologists in applied and practical matters. Thus an investigative practice which enabled psychologists to develop knowledge which was relevant to the needs of socially important markets, and still be acceptable as ‘scientific’ knowledge, had significant advantages over rival investigative practices.