On the role of theoretical inquiry in psychology: A double-edged sword

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• 作者：Marvin R. Goldfried
• 关键词：Integration ; Theories of therapy ; Therapy research ; Consensus ; Principles of change ; Principles of psychology
• 刊名：Applied and Preventive Psychology
• 出版年：2007
• 出版时间：October 2007
• 年：2007
• 卷：12
• 期：1
• 页码：21-23
• 全文大小：98 K

文摘

Wachtel's article is as relevant today as it was over a quarter century ago, especially as public support for higher education has declined, and increased pressure to obtain external research funding is needed in order to support universities. Although Wachtel's observation that research and grant funding are more likely to be reinforced then theoretical inquiry, there is a serious question regarding whether theory can be effective in advancing the field of psychology and psychotherapy. Some of problems that typically have been associated with theory in our field are discussed, and the argument is made that theoretical inquiry be directed to the formulation of less abstract and more focal principles of human behavior and the therapy change process.