Psychological Science Under Scrutiny
Recent Challenges and Proposed Solutions
📘 About This Book
Psychological Science Under Scrutiny explores a range of contemporary challenges to the assumptions and methodologies of psychology, in order to encourage debate and ground the discipline in solid science. Discusses the pointed challenges posed by critics to the field of psychological research, which have given pause to psychological researchers across a broad spectrum of sub-fields Argues that those conducting psychological research need to fundamentally change the way they think about data and results, in order to ensure that psychology has a firm basis in empirical science Places the recent challenges discussed into a broad historical and conceptual perspective, and considers their implications for the future of psychological methodology and research Challenges discussed include confirmation bias, the effects of grant pressure, false-positive findings, overestimating the efficacy of medications, and high correlations in functional brain imaging Chapters are authored by internationally recognized experts in their fields, and are written with a minimum of specialized terminology to ensure accessibility to students and lay readers
📖 Summary
Psychological Science Under Scrutiny, edited by Scott O. Lilienfeld and published in 2017 across 444 pages, offers a rigorous and thoughtful examination of the contemporary challenges facing the field of psychology. The book delves deeply into the assumptions and methodologies that have long guided psychological research, providing a platform to encourage robust debate and help ground the discipline in solid, uncompromising science. Throughout its chapters, the volume discusses the pointed challenges posed by critics to various areas of psychological research, challenges that have recently given pause to researchers working across a broad spectrum of subfields. At its core, the book argues that those conducting psychological research need to fundamentally change the way they think about data and results. In an era where scientific integrity is under the microscope, Lilienfeld and contributors emphasize that such a shift in mindset is vital to ensuring psychology maintains a firm, reliable basis in empirical science. By confronting these methodological hurdles head-on, the text aims to push the academic community toward higher standards of transparency, reproducibility, and critical evaluation. Furthermore, the book places these recent challenges into a broad historical and conceptual perspective, helping readers understand how current debates connect to the longer trajectory of the discipline. It carefully considers the broader implications these issues hold for the future of psychological methodology and research practices. Among the specific challenges discussed are issues related to confirmation bias, data interpretation, and the structural pressures that can sometimes distort scientific findings. Ultimately, Psychological Science Under Scrutiny serves as both a mirror and a compass for the psychological community. It does not seek to tear down the field, but rather to construct a more resilient and credible foundation for future discovery. By addressing difficult questions and urging scholars to re-evaluate their analytical habits, the book champions a culture of self-correction that is essential for the long-term health and validity of psychological science.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Encourages vital debate and critical thinking within psychology
Provides historical and conceptual perspective on modern scientific challenges
Pushes for necessary changes in how researchers handle data and results
Helps ground the broader discipline in solid empirical science
⚠️ Cons
Can be dense and challenging for casual readers without a background in science
Focuses heavily on critique and reform, which may feel unsettling to some traditional researchers
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Psychological Science Under Scrutiny? +
The book is edited and authored by Scott O. Lilienfeld.
When was the book published? +
It was published in 2017.
How many pages long is the book? +
The book spans 444 pages.
What is the main focus of the book? +
It explores contemporary challenges to the assumptions and methodologies of psychology to encourage better empirical science.
What genres does this book fall under? +
It falls primarily under the psychology genre.
