In order to consider possible contributions of developmental psychology to the
analysis and solution of practical problems a model of practical action is proposed
comprising the following six steps or questions: (1) What is the phenomenon or the
problem we have to deal with? (2) How did the phenomenon or problem come into
existence? (3) What will be the outcome of further development if no action is taken
to change the phenomenon or outcome. (4) What are possible goals for intervention?
(5) How can the goals be achieved? (6) What is the outcome in terms of evaluation of
prognosis, intervention or counselling?
Within the framework of these six steps or questions available scientific knowledge
as well as relevant methodological problems are discussed.
Moreover, the relationships and differences between theory, basic research, applied
research and practical application are analyzed, namely the problem of equivalence
of concepts and measures, the problem of deduction of technologies from theory, the
problem of falsification of theory by failures in its practical application and the
problem of discrepancies in metatheoretical correspondence.
The article closes with some recommendations concerning developmental research in
relation to applications.
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