Psychological research in Puerto Rico

A survey was conducted to explore opinions and perceptions of researchers in Puerto Rico. The survey was designed after Adair's (1992b) five-component model to explain the indigenisation of psychology in countries with different levels of development. Some obstacles that respondents perceived as limiting their research productivity were factors related to the lack of adequate research resources and funding, poor intellectual climate for research in their work settings, and limitations in the professional structure of the discipline. However, respondents also expressed satisfaction with some areas of their research environment, such as the research training received by students, the quality and relevance of their research, and their interactions with colleagues. They also reported good training and commitment to research as driving forces that compelled them to be productive. Results are discussed taking into consideration the conceptual model and the previous history of development in psychology in Puerto Rico.