Phenomena complexity, disciplinary consensus, and experimental versus correlational research in psychological science

Behav Brain Sci. 2024 Feb 5:47:e58. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X23002339.

Abstract

The target article ignores the crucial role of correlational methods in the behavioral and social sciences. Yet such methods are often mandated by the greater complexity of the phenomena investigated. This necessity is especially conspicuous in psychological research where its position in the hierarchy of the sciences implies the need for both experimental and correlational investigations, each featuring distinct assets.

MeSH terms

  • Consensus
  • Humans
  • Social Sciences*