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Interesting findings, questionable interpretation: Comment on Thornewill et al. (2020)
1Department of Psychology, Earlham College.
The American Psychologist
|January 6, 2022
Summary
This study critically examines a 2020 survey on psychologists in national security roles. It questions the interpretation of data regarding the discipline's views on these psychologists.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- National Security Studies
Background:
- A survey by Thornewill et al. (2020) explored perceptions of psychologists' national security roles.
- The survey aimed to understand views both within and outside the psychology discipline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the data and interpretations presented in the Thornewill et al. (2020) survey.
- To identify and address questions arising from the survey's findings on psychologists in national security.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of the Thornewill et al. (2020) survey data.
- Critical review of the authors' interpretations of the collected data.
Main Results:
- The examination revealed potential issues with the interpretation of the survey data.
- Certain aspects of the original study's conclusions warrant further scrutiny.
Conclusions:
- The initial survey's findings require a more rigorous examination.
- Further research is needed to clarify the perceptions of psychologists in national security roles.
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