Three short papers that provide insights into the experiences, values and guiding principles considered important by professional researchers can be accessed below. Duffy et al. (2013) and Gray and Wegner (2013) represent what could be understood as the broad mainstream tradition in therapy research. By contrast, Strong (2010) is a leading figure in a more radical, postmodern, social constructionist research tradition.
Nevertheless, they all write compellingly about very human, and highly challenging, themes, such as passion, surprise and imagination. As you read these pieces, it may be useful to thinks about the possible implications of their hard-earned lessons for you, at the start of your research journey. As with any of the papers included in this Online Resource, it can be immensely useful to read and discuss articles with learning partners.
Duffy, R.D., Torrey, C.L., Bott, E.M., Allan, B.A., & Schlosser, L.Z. (2013). Time management, passion, and collaboration: a qualitative study of highly research productive counseling psychologists. The Counseling Psychologist, 41, 881–917.
Gray, K. & Wegner, D.M. (2013) Six guidelines for interesting research. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 8, 549–553.
Strong, T. (2010). Collaboration, generativity, rigor, and imagination: Four words to focus and animate our practice-oriented inquiries. Human Systems: Journal of Therapy, Consultation and Training, 21, 380–396.
Further examples of biographical and autobiographical accounts of the lives and careers of leading researchers, and the underlying values and principles that have guided their work, can be found in a variety of sources, including:
Castonguay, L.G., Muran, J.C., Angus, L., et al. (eds) (2010). Bringing Psychotherapy Research to Life: Understanding Change through the Work of Leading Clinical Researchers. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association
Hoshmand, L. & Martin, J. (eds) (1994). Method Choice and Inquiry Process: Lessons from Programmatic Research in Therapeutic Practice. New York: Teachers’ Press
Paquin, J. D. (Ed.), (2019). Clinician-researchers in Psychotherapy: Careers Engaged in Both Practice and Research. London: Routledge (previously published as a special issue of Counselling Psychology Quarterly: volume 30, issue 3, 2017)
Soldz, S. & McCullough, L. (eds) (2000) Reconciling Empirical Knowledge and Clinical Experience: The Art and Science of Psychotherapy. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
