Psychologism and Instructional Technology

Gür B. S., Wiley D. A.

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY AND THEORY, vol.41, no.3, pp.307-331, 2009 (Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 41 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/j.1469-5812.2008.00421.x
  • Journal Name: EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY AND THEORY
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.307-331
  • Keywords: psychologism, instructional technology, critical psychology, hermeneutical psychology, positivism, metaphysics, power
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Little of the work in critical and hermeneutical psychology has been linked to instructional technology (IT). This article provides a discussion in order to fill the gap in this direction. The article presents a brief genealogy of American IT in relation to the influence of psychology. It also provides a critical and hermeneutical framework for psychology. It then discusses some problems of psychologism focusing on positivism, metaphysics, cultural ecology, and power. The narrow psychologism in IT produces a kind of systematic blindness regarding cultural, political, and other issues. IT professionals are encouraged to engage reflectively with the power-relations and ethical issues in which they are involved. The article points out a need for looking at psychology more comprehensively (e.g. critical and hermeneutical psychology). © Journal compilation © 2009 Philosophy of Education Society of Australasia.