Motivation, cognition and pseudoscience

CONTEXT: Research on the promotion of physical activity has been based on a variety of conceptual models. These models generally target one level of analysis, such as the individual, community, or the environment, and differ in their relative contact with basic or applied science. There have been limited attempts to develop approaches that target multiple levels of analysis and can stimulate basic and applied research. OBJECTIVE: Theoretical integration in a multidiscliplinary field such as promotion of physical activity should take into account that social, behavioral, and biomedical colleagues may use different explanatory models, and use different approaches to the development of scientific knowledge. This essay argues for the development of integration of theory across multiple domains that can incorporate methods and findings of basic and applied scientists, and that uses language and methods common to social, behavioral, and biomedical scientists. METHOD: Behavioral choice theory is presented as an example of one theoretical approach that bridges different approaches to physical activity intervention, and that can stimulate both basic and applied research on physical activity. Behavioral research on choice was discussed in relationship to basic research, human laboratory research, and community and clinical research. CONCLUSIONS: Implications of behavioral choice theory for community and environmental change was discussed. The essay ends with ideas for future directions in integration of theory for physical activity research.     

Social science, social psychology, and the National Science Foundation.

The approach of the National Science Foundation to the social sciences is characterized as "exploratory, experimental and pragmatic. The social sciences have been given opportunity to demonstrate concretely their practical role in the solution of operating and policy questions… . This experience with a limited social science program, developing in intimate relationship with the natural sciences, has provided a firm basis for consideration by the Foundation of appropriate next steps in achieving that effective integration of the natural and social sciences which will enhance the contribution of all the sciences to the national well-being." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On pseudoscience in science, logic in remission, and psychiatric diagnosis: A critique of Rosenhan's "On being sane in insane places".

Argues that D. L. Rosenhan's (see record 1973-21600-001) report on normal persons who posed as psychiatric patients is pseudoscience presented as science. Just as his pseudopatients were diagnosed at discharge as "schizophrenia in remission," so a careful examination of this study's methods, results, and conclusion leads to a diagnosis of "logic in remission." Rosenhan's study proves that pseudopatients are not detected by psychiatrists as having simulated signs of mental illness. This rather unremarkable finding is not relevant to the real problems of the reliability and validity of psychiatric diagnosis and only serves to obscure them. A correct interpretation of these data contradicts the conclusions that were drawn. In the setting of a psychiatric hospital, psychiatrists seem remarkably able to distinguish the "sane" from the "insane." (19 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Bad apples, bad cases, and bad barrels: Meta-analytic evidence about sources of unethical decisions at work.

[Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 95(4) of Journal of Applied Psychology (see record 2010-13313-015).] As corporate scandals proliferate, practitioners and researchers alike need a cumulative, quantitative understanding of the antecedents associated with unethical decisions in organizations. In this meta-analysis, the authors draw from over 30 years of research and multiple literatures to examine individual (“bad apple”), moral issue (“bad case”), and organizational environment (“bad barrel”) antecedents of unethical choice. Findings provide empirical support for several foundational theories and paint a clearer picture of relationships characterized by mixed results. Structural equation modeling revealed the complexity (multidetermined nature) of unethical choice, as well as a need for research that simultaneously examines different sets of antecedents. Moderator analyses unexpectedly uncovered better prediction of unethical behavior than of intention for several variables. This suggests a need to more strongly consider a new “ethical impulse” perspective in addition to the traditional “ethical calculus” perspective. Results serve as a data-based foundation and guide for future theoretical and empirical development in the domain of behavioral ethics. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Memory, abuse, and science.

Comments on K. S. Pope's (see record 83-37387) misrepresentation of the author's (J. F. Kihlstrom, in press) own views regarding the scientific and logical impermissibility of inferring a history of childhood sexual abuse from adult mental and behavioral symptoms. The author criticizes not only Pope's presentation of information out of context, but also his improper citations of the author's work, which deprive the reader of independent access to the author's words in the context in which they were written. The author suggests that the dispute over recovered and false memories springs from the basic question of how closely clinical practice should be tied to basic science, and reiterates his insistence on the centrality of psychology as a science. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Biofeedback, science, and training.

Responds to P. A. Norris's (see record 1987-01962-001) criticism of the present author's (see record 1986-11198-001) article on biofeedback by suggesting that Norris appears to be restating the present author's position—that biofeedback by itself is neither necessary nor sufficient to accomplish anything but is a technique to be used in conjunction with other approaches to meet certain therapeutic goals. (4 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Women, science, and technology.

Addresses 3 topics concerning women, science, and technology: the participation of women in science and technology; implications of research in the biological, behavioral, and social sciences for women; and the impact of technological change on women. It is argued that the lower participation rate of women in science and technology raises concerns regarding equity, effective human resource utilization, and decision making within science and technology. (38 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Treatment guidelines: The good, the bad, and the ugly.

Treatment guidelines for psychotherapy describe a set of best practices based in part on scientific evidence. There have been several sets of such guidelines published recently by governmental, professional, and health services organizations. The adequacy of such guidelines, which perforce reduce the variability of professional services, depends on the adequacy of the scientific evidence with respect to both efficacy and clinical utility. The American Psychological Association formed a Task Force to develop a Template for Developing Guidelines in order to evaluate the scientific evidence for these guidelines. This article describes the Template and then applies it to a set of recently promulgated guidelines. The Template was able to demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of the various documents. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Collisions, logrolls, and psychological science.

Relationships among science, public policy, and the media have long been a topic of controversy. A discussion of this controversy serves to place views on the B. Rind et al (see record 1998-04232-002) affair in a broader context and set the stage for constructing more effective working relationships between scientists and both policy and media experts. To advance these relationships, the author offers several recommendations that emphasize ongoing institutional activities and encourage collaboration with other professional organizations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)