CONCEPTUALIZING A BASIS FOR UNDERSTANDING - WHAT DIFFERENCES DO DIFFERENCES MAKE

The purpose of our commentary is to offer ways of understanding the di fferences in theoretical positions and of exploring what difference th e differences make. To conceptualize a basis for understanding the the oretical transformation currently taking place in the field of educati onal psychology, we bring two constructs from the philosophy of scienc e to bear. We suggest that one way to understand the differences is to consider the expressive potential of the research programs. In so doi ng, we suggest that the research programs be seen as intellectual ecol ogies created by members within these traditions. We argue that to und erstand the emic point of view of a tradition, one must become initiat ed into the discourse within that community and understand the histori cal development of the ideas within that intellectual ecology.