The Group Conductor and Group Research - Ethical,Conceptual and Technical Problems

This article documents the development of a research project - an evaluation study of outpatient group psychotherapy. Shortly after the practical research phase, two groups developed from the original research group, each intending to follow two aspects of the research approach separately, whilst remaining in close contact. Surprisingly, `outcome research' and `process research' developed fairly soon into a field of partly competing and partly reciprocally strengthening influences. The polarizing dynamics of these influences seemed to have both hindered, yet accelerated the research process. The aim of the `process research' group was to observe the influence of the research on the group process, to reflect on it and to communicate it to the `outcome research' group. The first group found instructive interrelations between phenomena in the observed therapy groups and between the two research groups. From our observations, we believe the findings of the `process research' group are valid for research application not only in respect of quality, effectiveness and efficiency, but also for consideration by group conductors and group participants. It is, however; necessary that the group conductor can identify with both the position of the research scientist and that of the person who constantly reflects on the ethical, conceptual and technical implications.