From Verbal Data to Practical Knowledge

Summary

It is one of the central tasks of the social sciences and humanities to show ways and means of creatively processing complex problems in our society. Such problems are generally unstructured and difficult to define. Frequently they are tied to dynamic situations affecting a large number of individuals or groups of individuals. On the other hand the experiences gained by those affected, e.g. the employees of an institution, contain a creative problem solving potential. The GABEK method (Ganzheitliche Bewältigung sprachlich erfaßter Komplexität) suggests itself when trying to make systematic use of this potential. GABEK provides a new method which can be classified as a qualitative research method (c.f. Lamnek 1988). GABEK can both be used for a detailed description and explanation of a problem situation as well as the practical development of alms and measures and their correlation. It is a problem solving procedure that includes the experiences and aims of all participants and individuals affected. The presentation of the GABEK method uses an example taken from the evaluation of an open-ended question presented to South Tyrolean primary school teachers concerning their experiences with the Italian primary school reform in the school year 1991/92.