Exploring the concept of place attachment in phenomenology and psychometrics; identifying the capacity of reflective interaction for theoretical development

place studies can be divided into two parts based on their methodological approach. These two parts are based on two different paradigms in place research: phenomenology and psychometrics. Proliferation of specific concepts which is perceived by many critics to have vague and fuzzy definitions and reflects inadequate specification of distinctions and linkages among concepts. Therefore, numerous authors have expressed concerns about lack of conceptual clarity and theory development in research on place.

This research is an investigation on different kinds of definition and operationalization of the concept of place attachment and its linkage to other place concepts in two different paradigms: phenomenology and psychometrics.

content analysis is applied in this research interpret the relation of place attachment to other place concepts. Analysis of the quality of application and operationalization of this concept in empirical studies is better way to increase knowledge about it and this is because of that methodology reflects underlying normative philosophical commitments of the researcher and how these commitments shape different understandings from one concept.

content analysis shows each of these paradigms has shed light on different dimensions of the concept. interpreting place attachment based on paradigmatic context is best way to clarify its position among place constructs, because methodology of researches reflects differences in world view and mechanism of concept generation for experimental studies.

it can be concluded that attempts to integrate across divergent assumptions may contribute to miscommunication by obscuring significant conceptual distinctions. While there are profound philosophical differences between the two paradigms, their reflective interaction must be considered for theoretical development. Reflective interaction means taking a more open-minded approach toward the complementary role of the two paradigms in the improvement of knowledge that enables urban planners to build more attractive places in practice.