Socio-cultural Imperatives and Basic Theory in Applied Research

Robert Kleiner¹, Tom Sørensen², Paul Ngo³, Andreas P. S. Sørensen⁴
(1. Department of Sociology, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA; 2. Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; 3. St. Norberth College, USA; 4. Division of Research, North Coast Psychiatry, Norway)

Abstract: This paper focuses on the origins of a theoretical and practical research perspective that developed from a series of community studies. They sought to understand the impact of socio-cultural and structural properties of a community on quality of life in mental health promotion projects in communities in North-Norway. Different types of observations and research methods were used depending on purpose, time, place, and analyses needed to be made; including quantitative surveys at the start of community interventions and in follow-up studies, field notes during intervention period, characteristics of populations, interviews with local resource groups at follow-up times, evaluations of projects by project director, and physical descriptions (including pictures) of community changes. This perspective has evolved from research done in different disciplines concerned with basic research and/or clinical/applied interests. Critical in conducting the project and understanding what was taking place, has been the impact of three types of realities occurring and interacting at the same time, i.e., objective, social-cultural, and psychological realities. Research activities in real communities required focusing on cultural and/or sub-cultural milieus influencing issues like socialization, educational policies and strategies. This perspective leads to new problems that need to be defined and dealt with. Paradoxically what may emerge is a new more comprehensive theoretical model.

Key words: basic and applied research, multiple realities, social cohesion, local community, interdisciplinary