On psycho-linguistic paradigms

Some frustration and confusion are detectable in the work of those researching the psychology of language. The suggestion is made that the lack of focus is due, in part, to the lack of a dominant paradigm or overall system within which to view recent developments. It appears possible to isolate three broad and conflicting perspectives within the contemporary Zeitgeist: an Association position with behaviorist traditions, a Process approach with origins in general cognitive theory, and a Content approach which has evolved along with the resurgence of a nativist position in linguistic theory. Several issues-empirical, theoretical, and philosophical-are discussed, each within the context of the three potential paradigms. Although no effort has been made to be prescriptive, it would appear that the Process orientation provides the most radical alternative, and it is implicit throughout the paper that the Zeitgeist is moving in this direction.