Challenging assumptions in research and practice using problematization principles

Hyland (2023) called for our field to question assumptions and explore new ideas, suggesting a need for I-O psychologists to challenge paradigms in our field through a reflexive process. Paradigm shifts, however, can take decades to occur and often they are a culmination of successive approximations toward that goal (Alvesson & Sandberg, 2011; Hyland, 2023). Therefore, the purpose of this commentary is to provide strategies for incrementally challenging assumptions in our field, specifically, those that occur in research studies and practice environments. These strategies are guided by problematization principles for generating research questions (Alvesson & Sandberg, 2011, 2020), which is a method of inductive reasoning that is highly reflexive. Specifically, the problematization method encourages scholars to evaluate the underlying assumptions of our constructs and dominant theories and consider ways that alternative theoretical perspectives may challenge the prevailing school of thought (Alvesson & Sandberg, 2011, 2020). Hyland (2023) states that “our field does not have a robust body of literature or set of established practices for engaging in introspection and scientific self-examination” (p. 104); therefore, this commentary aims to serve as an initial blueprint for systematically engaging in reflexive processes in research studies and practice settings. In what follows, I highlight the problematization approach for generating research questions that challenge assumptions in our field. Then, I provide concrete examples of this approach in research and offer suggestions for using its principles in practice.