The problem of choosing between irreconcilable theoretical orientations: comment on Melchert (2016)

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Joseph, Stephen (2017) The problem of choosing between irreconcilable theoretical orientations: comment on Melchert (2016). American Psychologist, 72 (4). pp. 397-398. ISSN 1935-990X

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Abstract

Melchert (2016) argues that knowledge of psychological processes is now grounded in experimental tests of falsifiable theories that support a unified, paradigmatic understanding of human psychology. While his argument for leaving behind our preparadigmatic past of competing theoretical orientations is welcome, Melchert (2016) presents a perspective in which the degree to which this is currently possible is overstated. In this comment it is argued that scientific research does not replace paradigmatic assumptions but takes place within them. As such, it is not possible to take the theoretical orientations out of the practice of psychology, which is inevitably an expression of our philosophical assumptions of first principles.

Item Type: Article
RIS ID: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/836290
Additional Information: This article may not exactly replicate the final version published in the APA journal. It is not the copy of record. ©2016 American Psychological Association.
Keywords: Psychological processes, Preparadigmatic, Theoretical orientations, First principles
Schools/Departments: University of Nottingham, UK > Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Education
Identification Number: 10.1037/amp0000134
Depositing User: Joseph, Prof Stephen
Date Deposited: 20 Dec 2016 08:45
Last Modified: 04 May 2020 18:27
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/39418

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