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Conference

The measurement of cognitive structures: a constructivist approach

Rolf Oerter

This article considers the investigation of cognitive structures in a constructivist perspective, using the example of the measurement of the concept of human nature (Menschenbild). It is argued that the instruments used (adulthood interview and dilemma stories) elicit the subject's short-term (actual) and long-term (available declarative knowledge) constructive activity. However, the investigation includes at the same time the pre- and post-constructive activity of the researcher and interviewer, who introduce their own knowledge, opinions and theoretical concepts. The results presented are: general levels of the concept of human nature, some specific structures produced by the subjects, content analytical categories, patterns, and figures of reasoning. The outcome of the investigation is interpreted as a co-construction of both the subject and the researcher (interviewer/rater), indicating shared cultural knowledge that is brought via the research process to a more explicit and clear structure.

Key Words: Action theory • Co-construction • Constructivism • Figures of reasoning • Structure

Social Science Information, Vol. 38, No. 4, 659-681 (1999)
DOI: 10.1177/053901899038004008
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