How to live and learn: learning, duration and the virtual

Crociani-Windland, Lita

Abstract

The chapter deals with a methodological perspective founded on a linking of reflexivity, experiential learning, Bergsonian and Deleuzian epistemology. The ontological foundations for this perspective reside in the Bergsonian/Deleuzian notion of reality as partaking of ‘virtual’ as well as actualized aspects. The principal advantage of such a perspective is to offer a broad, embodied conceptual framework able to capture fluid affective dimensions of reality, both at individual and social levels. Researchers’ attention to both internal and external milieus is key to the methodology that arises from such an ontology.

The chapter therefore outlines the key principles of what has been viewed as an intuitive methodology, relating them in addition to psychoanalytic practices and concepts, mostly based on Bion’s theory of learning. These elements are complemented by other well established qualitative methodological approaches such as ‘grounded theory’ and ethnographic emphasis on direct experience within the field. The chapter thus moves from a highly theoretical epistemology to more practical aspects of method.

• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2009
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 51-78
• Series Title: Exploring Psycho-Social Studies
• Series Number: 2
• Book Title: Researching Beneath the Surface- Psycho-Social Research Methods in Practice
• ISBN: 978-1-85575-618-2
• Keywords: psycho-social, research methods, reflexivity, intuition, affect, fluidity
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1001537
• Publisher URL: http://www.karnacbooks.com/Product.asp?PID=27802