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Disentangling Professional Discretion

A Conceptual and Methodological Approach

Bibliographic Data

ID19541299
AuthorsLisa Wallander (0000-0002-3940-0699, Malmö University), Anders Molander (0000-0002-4315-4558, OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University)
Year2014
Volume4
Issue3
Publication date2014-04-11
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueProfessions and Professionalism (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1893-1049 • E-ISSN: 1893-1049
PublisherOsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.7577/pp.808
OpenAlexW2105438937
LanguageEN
Citations received37
References cited29

With the aim of furthering the investigation of professional discretion, this article builds on a combination of a conceptual framework for understanding discretion and an advanced method for collecting data on human judgments. Discretion is described as consisting of two dimensions – a structural dimension (discretionary space) and an epistemic dimension (discretionary reasoning). Discretionary reasoning is defined as the cognitive activity that may take place within the discretionary space of professional judgment, and it is illustrated by means of Toulmin’s model of argumentation. The factorial survey, a quasi-experimental vignette approach, is proposed and illustrated as a method with substantial potential for studying agreement and disagreement in discretionary reasoning. While the combined framework presented in this article could form the basis for case studies and/or comparative studies of discretionary reasoning across professions and contexts, the results of such studies could be used for improving practice within a specific professional field

Argumentation theory · Discretion · Economics · Epistemology · Management science · Political science · Vignette · Computer Science · Evaluation and Performance Assessment · Law · Mathematics · Psychology · Social Psychology

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Unique citing works37
Citations per year3,7
Citation span2016 - 2026 (11)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 28
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