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Inference Patterns in Theoretical Social Psychology: Looking Back as We Move Forward
Article first published online: 4 JUN 2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-9004.2010.00272.x
© 2010 The Authors. Journal Compilation © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
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How to Cite
Uchino, B. N., Thoman, D. and Byerly, S. (2010), Inference Patterns in Theoretical Social Psychology: Looking Back as We Move Forward. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 4: 417–427. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-9004.2010.00272.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 4 JUN 2010
- Article first published online: 4 JUN 2010
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Abstract
An important hallmark of modern social psychology is the central importance of theory and hypothesis testing. The inference structure, however, underlying such tests are rarely acknowledged and may have important implications for the field. In this study, we examine the inference patterns utilized over 20 years of published work in a leading journal of social psychology. We found that verification, in contrast to falsification and crucial tests of alternative hypotheses, was the dominant inference structure utilized. Crucial tests were conducted least of all. These trends were discussed in light of larger issues from the philosophy of science, as well as its potential implications for the field.