The research program subjective theories: A methodological concept for a wide range of applications

The article introduces the “research program subjective theories” (RPST), which was developed in the 1980s to systematically investigate individual thought processes. The focus lies on “subjective theories” – stable, structured systems of convictions that function in the same way as scientific theories, but are less formalized. Central to the RPST is the dialogical reconstruction of such theories through the exchange between researchers and interviewees, which leads to authentic insights and reflection of thought processes. The “structure-formation-technique” (SFT) method reconstructs and visualizes these processes. The RPST has evolved over the years and is now used in a variety of ways by research and education, and also expands the diversity of scientific approaches in medical education research. The article summarizes the scientific-theoretical fundamentals and research-methodological background of RPST and provides an overview that can be used as a basis for taking the first steps toward theory-based application of this approach.