Situational Approach: Research Tasks and Applicability

The article analyzes the development of ideas in a fi eld of environment and context of human existence; K. Lewin’s ideas that underlie the situational approach; explanatory models that exist in psychology to describe human interaction with situation. Uncertainty is a fundamental characteristic of contemporary reality. Th e most relevant approach to study of reality presents an approach to understanding of life space as a space of personal opportunities. Russian scientists develop an idea of an active subject making his/her choice in the life context (subject approach, a concept of supra-situational activity, existential approach). Th e results of research of decisions to change current situations depending on perception of a future situation in terms of its opportunities or risks are presented. Practical and applied opportunities of situational approach are emphasized.

Lewin K. Principles of Topological Psychology. New York, London, McGraw-Hill Book company, inc., 1936. 231 p.