Some thoughts on Mike Palij's recent post about Bem's persistent belief, the need for independent replication, and whether this is another reason for Psychologists to call themselves/their field by different names. Mike P noted: "In the meantime, I think that more science oriented psychologists will move away from identifying themselves as psychologists and self-identify as cognitive scientists, neuorscientists, or some other name that excludes psychology"
-------------------- For one recent critique of the Bem article..and responses back and forth, see: http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/back_from_the_future I would hope that JPSP is prepared to handle publishing replication efforts and the typical back and forth lashings that follow. In our classes this can be used to discuss the role of scientific consensus, indep. replications, the value and problems of scientist's ignoring consensus/convergence, the idea of open-mindedness as not only involving new ideas, but also following where evidence leads, and the long history of such ideas as ESP and psychologist involvement in such investigations. Also, as Martin B notes in his recent post, Bem has advocated an interesting way to approach hypothesis testing....a kind of post-diction which would be fun to discuss in methods classes as well. Interesting, especially in light of his piece now on supposed precognition....perhaps an interesting personal theme in exploring his thinking as researcher? Regarding Mike's statement above, wasn't Wundt hesitant about the use of the term Psychology for just this same reason; that it had been already appropriated by occultists? Perhaps Chris G or other historians here might know more on this? Also, I think many psych folks have already tried to avoid this term in their dealings with the press and public, but not just because "psychology" is linked to the paranormalist agenda, but rather/or, in addition, its association with pop-clinical areas. I guess I am now a social-personality-cognitive-neuroscientist! GPeterson Saginaw Valley State University Gary's iPad --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: arch...@jab.org. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df5d5&n=T&l=tips&o=7713 or send a blank email to leave-7713-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
