I gladly sent you an abstract of my thesis. However I feel that it
does reveal more about the methodology and meta theory than it does
about the results of the research. Since we will probably meet at the
conference in Denmark we can perhaps discuss things more fruitfully
then. I am very keen to discuss my work with experienced people like
yourself because I realise that I am only now starting to grapple
with some of the real issues of mediation between equals and I am
very keen to work further on the issue. I also believe that the
methodology I developed may be useful for such research and I would
like to get feedback on it, so that it can be further improved.
Thanks for your interest
Hilde Van Vlaenderen
ABSTRACT
The study focuses on the everyday problem solving processes of a group
of community activists in a rural setting in the Eastern Cape Province
of South Africa. It aims to uncover: first, the local knowledge of the
participants of the study with reference to the concepts problem and
problem solving; second, the participants' group problem solving
procedure; and third, the dialectical interrelation between the
participants' knowledge and practice with reference to everyday group
problem solving. It is contended that the mainstream cognitive
approach and the cross-cultural tradition are inappropriate for the
study of everyday cognitive processes. A =91situated cognition=92
approach, based on the notions of activity and cultural mediation, is
proposed as a theoretical framework for the study. The ontological and
epistemological assumptions underpinning the empirical study were
derived from a scientific realist and a hermeneutical paradigm. Data
for the inquiry into the local knowledge of the participants was
collected through individual interviews. The data was interpreted,
using the grounded theory techniques of constant comparison, coding
and compiling theoretical diagrams. Data for the inquiry into the
participants' group problem solving practice consisted of video-taped
group problem solving processes. This data was analysed, using a multi
layered process of progressively deeper interpretation, employing a
reading guide technique. Analysis of the research data revealed that
the participants perceived a problem as an impediment to satisfactory
participation in society. Problem solving was considered as an
emotive, cognitive and inter-active process, involving particular role
players. This process had a certain structure, involved attitudes and
actions and relied on particular resources. Successful problem solving
was perceived to result in restoration of social equilibrium. The
group problem solving procedure used by the participants consisted of
a process of developing a common understanding and group consensus.
The strategies employed in the process, the roles played by the
participants, the rules adhered to by the participants and the
structure underlying the process were all congruent with these aims.
There was a mutually reinforcing interrelation between knowledge and
practice with reference to the participants=92 problem solving.