Scientist-Practitioner Model

As mentioned in your textbook, one goal of the field is to blend science and practice. We call this the scientist-practitioner model. Check out your textbook chapter for a definition of the scientist-practitioner model. 

It should be noted that communicating between science and practice is difficult to do because the goals, loyalties, and jargon of those in academic (scientific) positions often differ from those of practitioners (Dunnette, 1990).

Table 2.2. Differences Between Scientists and Practitioners

-	Scientists	Practitioners
Loyalties	Publishers Academic departments	Managers CEOs
Goals	Rigorous science "Publish or perish"	Solutions to immediate problems Increase profits
Jargon/Language	Scientific	Bottom line (i.e., monetary)

 

Despite these differences, members of the field strive to work together and communicate via annual conference meetings and research collaborations (Brice & Waung, 2001).