Theoretical-methodological implications for research from the ethical standpoint of Semiotic-Cultural Constructivism in Psychology.

Abstract

The present historical-philosophical and theoretical-methodological considerations aim to contribute to the systematization of the conceptual corpus of the Semiotic-Cultural Constructivism in Psychology (SCC). We address its founding issues and identify the course of knowledge construction in the field, taking into account its most recent developments and ramifications. From 2011 to 2018, we observe the expansion and increasing dissemination of the perspective of the SCC in interdisciplinary studies on diverse phenomena. Boesch, Valsiner and Marková are among the thinkers in psychology most frequently referenced in the research field, particularly with regards to their views on how each research study is in itself both a unique process and an effort towards general knowledge construction. The researcher's unique relationship with the phenomenon-theme of investigation is a type of alterity relation. The innovative potential of research lies precisely on the frontier between the thought and unthought dimensions of a given tradition to which the researcher belongs; certain elements of the tradition remain beyond the researcher's understanding of themselves, their surroundings, and their study theme. From the epistemological, ontological, and ethical standing of the referred studies in the field, we outline the theoretical-methodological implications of the constitution of the researcher's position; a brief illustration based on the narrative of a case study will be used to discuss it. The researcher carry out the refraction of the person while analyzing their experiences in the social field, being the interested party in the construction of knowledge.