THE SCIENTIST-PRACTITIONER MODEL IN CLINICAL-PSYCHOLOGY - A CRITIQUE

The scientist-practitioner philosophy of clinical practice is first pl aced in its historical context, The history of the scientist-practitio ner stance is marked by an enduring struggle between advocates and opp onents of a research-based profession of clinical psychology. The crit icisms of the scientist-practitioner stance are discussed alongside co unter-arguments in support of that position. Making the conceptual dis tinction between theoretical preference and philosophical position, th ree philosophies to underpin clinical psychology are outlined. It is c oncluded that the fundamental research to decide on the optimum stance for effective practice, and hence to inform training, is sadly lackin g. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.