The three modes of the science of psychoanalysis

Three modes of the science of psychoanalysis are identified: (1) the domain mode is established when claim is laid for investigation of a distinctive area of nature for investigation. For psychoanalysis, this territory involves human adaptation, mentation, and communication in the emotional arena. This mode essentially is one in which a scientific spirit is central and gross, qualitative observation the source of data and theory; (2) the statistical mode is characterized by quantification (measurement), prediction, controlled study, and global correlational or probability methods. In general, this mode of science serves to confirm, refute, or revise postulates derived from domain-mode observations. An advanced aspect of this mode is termed stochastics, a form of science that deals with events that are both random and deterministic, and which introduces post hoc mathematical equations that are probabilistic in nature. (3) the formal mode is grounded in moment-to-moment observations (time-series data); its results are defined entirely through mathematical treatments of quantified data. The unique quest in this mode is for laws of nature. Each mode of the science of psychoanalysis is discussed for its actual and potential contributions to the field and for its limitations and pitfalls. Finally, the paper discusses aspects of recent research that has, we believe, established a heretofore absent formal mode of science for the field of psychoanalysis.