In Search for an Agile Epistemology: Implicit Conceptions in Research

This theoretical article explores the role of implicit conceptions in scientific research, focusing on how these hidden frameworks influence the design, execution, and interpretation of studies. Drawing on the concept of tacit knowledge (Polanyi 1966; Malik 2023), it examines how researchers’ intui...

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Main Authors: Luana Bruno, Alejandro Iborra Cuéllar
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Lodz University Press 2025-07-01
Series:Nauki o Wychowaniu
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Online Access:https://czasopisma.uni.lodz.pl/wychow/article/view/27007
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author Luana Bruno
Alejandro Iborra Cuéllar
author_facet Luana Bruno
Alejandro Iborra Cuéllar
author_sort Luana Bruno
collection DOAJ
description This theoretical article explores the role of implicit conceptions in scientific research, focusing on how these hidden frameworks influence the design, execution, and interpretation of studies. Drawing on the concept of tacit knowledge (Polanyi 1966; Malik 2023), it examines how researchers’ intuitive and non-verbalizable understandings shape their theoretical, methodological, and collaborative practices. The discussion is structured around four dimensions: tacit knowledge as an epistemological foundation, researcher identity, contextual influences, including paradigmatic and epistemological tensions, and the assessment and monitoring of implicit conceptions. The article emphasizes the need for epistemological flexibility, encouraging researchers to navigate positivist, interpretative, and critical paradigms based on the phenomenon under study. It critiques the “publish or perish” logic, advocating for prioritizing quality and knowledge advancement over market pressures. By adopting interdisciplinary and transversal approaches, researchers can address complex phenomena more comprehensively. Finally, the article highlights the importance of lifelong and cross-disciplinary training to equip researchers for contemporary scientific challenges while fostering innovation and adaptability.
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publishDate 2025-07-01
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series Nauki o Wychowaniu
spelling doaj-art-4fda8beaedf244128a9a4f0e4ada6e352025-08-20T03:28:04ZengLodz University PressNauki o Wychowaniu2450-44912025-07-0120110.18778/2450-4491.20.07In Search for an Agile Epistemology: Implicit Conceptions in ResearchLuana Bruno0https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7052-7228Alejandro Iborra Cuéllar1https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8373-8622University of AlcaláUniversity of Alcalá This theoretical article explores the role of implicit conceptions in scientific research, focusing on how these hidden frameworks influence the design, execution, and interpretation of studies. Drawing on the concept of tacit knowledge (Polanyi 1966; Malik 2023), it examines how researchers’ intuitive and non-verbalizable understandings shape their theoretical, methodological, and collaborative practices. The discussion is structured around four dimensions: tacit knowledge as an epistemological foundation, researcher identity, contextual influences, including paradigmatic and epistemological tensions, and the assessment and monitoring of implicit conceptions. The article emphasizes the need for epistemological flexibility, encouraging researchers to navigate positivist, interpretative, and critical paradigms based on the phenomenon under study. It critiques the “publish or perish” logic, advocating for prioritizing quality and knowledge advancement over market pressures. By adopting interdisciplinary and transversal approaches, researchers can address complex phenomena more comprehensively. Finally, the article highlights the importance of lifelong and cross-disciplinary training to equip researchers for contemporary scientific challenges while fostering innovation and adaptability. https://czasopisma.uni.lodz.pl/wychow/article/view/27007implicit conceptionstacit knowledgeresearcher identityepistemological flexibilityinterdisciplinary research
spellingShingle Luana Bruno
Alejandro Iborra Cuéllar
In Search for an Agile Epistemology: Implicit Conceptions in Research
Nauki o Wychowaniu
implicit conceptions
tacit knowledge
researcher identity
epistemological flexibility
interdisciplinary research
title In Search for an Agile Epistemology: Implicit Conceptions in Research
title_full In Search for an Agile Epistemology: Implicit Conceptions in Research
title_fullStr In Search for an Agile Epistemology: Implicit Conceptions in Research
title_full_unstemmed In Search for an Agile Epistemology: Implicit Conceptions in Research
title_short In Search for an Agile Epistemology: Implicit Conceptions in Research
title_sort in search for an agile epistemology implicit conceptions in research
topic implicit conceptions
tacit knowledge
researcher identity
epistemological flexibility
interdisciplinary research
url https://czasopisma.uni.lodz.pl/wychow/article/view/27007
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