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Making Psychology "Count": On the Mathematization of Psychology
1Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, Yorkville University, Fredericton, NB, Canada.
Europe'S Journal of Psychology
|April 17, 2023
Summary
Psychology
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- History of Science
Background:
- The late 18th to mid-20th century saw a movement to mathematize psychology, influenced by physical sciences.
- This quantitative shift was driven by sociopolitical factors aiming to legitimize psychology and differentiate it from philosophy and spiritualism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the historical ascendancy of the quantitative paradigm in psychology.
- To understand the challenges faced by qualitative research in gaining disciplinary recognition and epistemological parity.
Main Methods:
- Historical analysis of psychological research paradigms.
- Examination of sociopolitical influences on scientific discipline formation.
Main Results:
- An ahistorical perspective has led to the quantitative paradigm being largely unquestioned in mainstream psychology.
- Qualitative research has historically struggled for recognition but remains a valuable contributor.
Conclusions:
- The dominance of quantitative methods in psychology is rooted in historical sociopolitical pressures, not solely scientific merit.
- Qualitative research, despite historical marginalization, possesses enduring value and necessity in psychological inquiry.
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