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

Joseph, Stephen

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.

Citation

Joseph, S. (2017). The problem of choosing between irreconcilable theoretical orientations: comment on Melchert (2016). American Psychologist, 72(4), 397-398. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000134

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 7, 2016
• Publication Date: Jun 30, 2017
• Deposit Date: Dec 20, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 30, 2017
• Journal: American Psychologist
• Print ISSN: 0003-066X
• Electronic ISSN: 1935-990X
• Publisher: American Psychological Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 72
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 397-398
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000134
• Keywords: Psychological processes, Preparadigmatic, Theoretical orientations, First principles
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/836290
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/amp0000134
• 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.
• Contract Date: Dec 20, 2016