On the Rise of Scientific Innovations and Their Acceptance in Research Groups: A Socio-Psychological Study

The interaction of cognitive and interpersonal factors in research groups is discussed in relation to the two phases of the research process — a conceptualization phase, and a programme phase. During the conceptualization phase, which is marked by a high degree of uncertainty, there exists a close connection between cognitive and interpersonal factors. As the research situation becomes concretized and more determined, a distinction emerges between cognitive and interpersonal factors. This study shows that during the conceptualization phase, both the assessment of the concept and the interpersonal relations between those involved are intimately coupled with the personality of the concept's originator. In contrast, the programme phase is characterized by a distinction between an assessment of the programme, on the one hand, and of the originator, on the other. The heart of the programme is assessed continuously over a longer period of time. Unity in assessment and reliability constitute primary evaluation criteria. Cognitive patterning and social relations are symmetric.