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On cognitive theories and causation in human behavior.

C Lee1

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
|December 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Current social behavior theories rely on unproven cognitive variables. This paper argues these cognitive-behavioral and cognitive-social models are metaphorical and lack testable predictions for understanding human nature.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Modern social behavior theories prioritize cognitive variables.
  • Physiology, environment, and behavior are considered secondary to cognition.
  • Cognition is assumed to be central to understanding human nature.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Critique the foundational assumptions of contemporary social behavior theories.
  • Evaluate the explanatory power of cognitive-behavioral and cognitive-social models.
  • Propose an alternative framework for understanding human behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical analysis of existing psychological and social theories.
  • Examination of the role of cognitive variables in explaining human behavior.
  • Assessment of the testability and precision of current theoretical models.

Main Results:

  • Contemporary theories are based on untestable assumptions about hypothetical cognitive variables.
  • These models function as metaphorical representations rather than explanatory theories.
  • The lack of precision in current theories prevents specific prediction and testing.

Conclusions:

  • Cognitive-behavioral and cognitive-social theories are inadequate as scientific explanations.
  • The centrality of cognitive variables in understanding human behavior is an unsubstantiated assumption.
  • A re-evaluation of theoretical frameworks is necessary for advancing the study of social behavior.

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