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Measured Realism and Statistical Inference: An Explanation for the Fast Progress of “Hard” Psychology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 2022

J. D. Trout
J. D. Trout*
Affiliation:
Loyola University of Chicago
*
†Philosophy Department and the Parmly Hearing Institute, Loyola University of Chicago, 6525 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60626.
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Abstract

The use of null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) in psychology has been under sustained attack, despite its reliable use in the notably successful, so-called “hard” areas of psychology, such as perception and cognition. I argue that, in contrast to merely methodological analyses of hypothesis testing (in terms of “test severity,” or other confirmation-theoretic notions), only a patently metaphysical position can adequately capture the uneven but undeniable successes of theories in “hard psychology.” I contend that Measured Realism satisfies this description, and characterizes the role of NHST in hard psychology.

Type
Philosophy of Psychology and Cognitive Science
Information
Philosophy of Science , Volume 66 , Issue S3: Supplement. Proceedings of the 1998 Biennial Meetings of the Philosophy of Science Association. Part I: Contributed Papers Sep., 1999 , 1999 , pp. S260 - S272
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 by the Philosophy of Science Association

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