Equilibration: Developing the Hard Core of the Piagetian Research Program

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Abstract
The argument is developed that the status of the concept equilibration is clarified by considering Piagetian theory as a research program in the sense elaborated by Lakatos in 1974. Within this general framework Piaget’s 1977 model may be characterized a first ‘refutable variant’ of a potential series of models increasing in precision and testability, and in digestive power for counterevidence. An examination is made of the preciseness and testability of equilibration in the 1977 model. This leads to a prediction that in the initial stages, at least, equilibratory changes to a false theory will parallel those observed for an oversimplifed one. The prediction is tested, and supported by the results. The instructional problem is raised that in some circumstances the processes of equilibration may result in false ideas being retained in a more complex form.

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