Another look at Meehl, Lakatos, and the scientific practices of psychologists.

This article examines current research methodology in psychology in the context of Serlin and Lapsley's response to Meehl's critiques of the scientific practices of psychologists. The argument is made that Serlin and Lapsley's appeal to Lakatos's philosophy of science to defend the rationality of null hypothesis tests and related practices misrepresents that philosophy. It is demonstrated that Lakatos in fact considered psychology an extremely poor science lacking true research programs, an opinion very much in line with Meehl's critique. The present essay speculates on the reasons for Lakatos's negative opinion and reexamines the role of null hypothesis tests in relation to the quality of theories in psychology. It is concluded that null hypothesis tests are destructive to theory building and directly related to Meehl's observation of slow progress in soft psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Paul E. Meehl (1920-2003).

Presents the obituary for Paul E. Meehl (1920-2003), one of the most eminent psychologists of the 20th century, who helped to shape psychology in a career that spanned more than 60 years. Dr. Meehl's intellectual contributions ranged over many areas, including clinical versus actuarial judgment, research on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, learning theory, psychoanalysis, and the genetic basis of schizophrenia. Dr. Meehl received considerable recognition for his contributions to academic and applied psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Meehl as colleague.

The author summarizes some memories and impressions of Paul Meehl as graduate advisor, classroom teacher, and departmental colleague. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)