To access the article describing the empirical research on wisdom (from 1980 to 2006), click on this link:
research. This link gives details on 37 empirical studies, plus 11 more I have identified but not yet had the time to go through.
There are 3 studies published in 2007 of which I am aware:
Webster, Jeffrey Dean. 2007. Measuring the character strength of wisdom. International Journal of Aging & Human Development. Vol 65(2). pp. 163-183.
Abridged from the Abstract: 171 men and women completed an expanded 40-item version of the SAWS ["Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale"--originally published in Webster, 2003] the Loyola Generativity Scale, and the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. A new definition of wisdom is provided which is operationalized with the SAWS.
Yang, Shih Ying.2007. Forms and functions of wisdom in real-life contexts. Chinese Journal of Psychology, Vol 49(2), June. pp. 185-204. Language:Chinese
Abstract:The present study defines wisdom as a process which emerges after a person has successfully implemented his or her integrated idea to a real-life context and exerted positive influences through his or her action. After asserting that wisdom can only be observed in real-life contexts through real persons' endeavor, the present study aims to investigate wisdom through semi-structured interviews with 66 wisdom nominees nominated by 80 nominators of diverse backgrounds. Analysis of the interview transcripts yielded 220 wisdom incidents that fall into five categories. Thus, wisdom emerges in real life when one (1) strives for common good by helping others and contributing to society, (2) achieves and maintains a satisfactory state of life, (3) de-cides and develops life paths, (4) resolves difficult problems at work, (5) insists on doing the right things when facing adversity. The present findings support the process view of wisdom which encompasses three core components: integration, action taken to embody one's visions for a good life, and the resulting positive effects. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved).
Uhrenfeldt, Lisbeth, Hall, Elisabeth O. C. 2007. Clinical wisdom among proficient nurses. Nurs-ing Ethics, Vol 14(3), May. pp. 387-398.
Abridged from the Abstract: The article describes how proficient nurses experience their practice. A qualitative study based on semistructured interviews, followed by analysis founded on Gadamerian hermeneutics. Proficient practice constitutes clinical wisdom based on responsibility, thinking and ethical discernment, and a drive for action. The study showed that poor working conditions cause proficient nurses to regress to non-proficient performance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved.)
This makes 48 research studies published in refereed journals of which I am aware and which are reported here. If you know of others, please notify me at
rht@wisdomcenteredlife.org.
The fact that empirical psychologists have found any way to study wisdom seems a major advance: before 1980, there had never been an empirical study of wisdom published in a scholarly journal. Research to date has hardly revealed truths about wisdom that go beyond ancient and medieval texts. Nonetheless, if wisdom is to assume once again an important place in the lives of thoughtful people, empirical research will likely be vital to its revival. The Defining Wisdom project of the University of Chicago, which in 2008 will be awarding 20 young researchers substantial grants for the study of wisdom, may well prove a watershed for wisdom's resurgence. Later, the University will be offering grants to a number of senior researchers into wisdom. It seems that with Positive Psychology, and the empirical study of spirituality, love, and wellness in a holistic sense, there is a shift occurring in Western sensibilities. In philosophy, virtue ethics is concerned with practical wisdom, phronesis), and Bent Flyvbjerg (Making Social Science Matter: Why Social Inquiry Fails and How It Can Succeed Again, New York: Cambridge University Press, 2001) has introduced a framework for phronetic social science.
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