How to Build A Strong Theoretical Foundation [post]

Paul Smaldino
2020 unpublished
It is our theories that shape how we see the world and the questions we ask of it. Fried argues that psychological science is plagued by weak theories, and that there is a real need for building and testing strong theories that include formal models. I agree. Fried calls for better training in the construction of formal theory, and I enthusiastically agree with this as well. However, I am concerned that the road to establish such a training in program will be long and hard. Fried ends his piece
more » ... with tentative optimism, but little in the way of concrete proposals. Here I'll outline what I think some of the necessary changes are and why implementing them will be challenging. I'll conclude with some thoughts on how to overcome those challenges. Constructing good strong theories requires integration of the skills currently possessed by psychological scientists with (1) increased interdisciplinarity, (2) increased technical prowess, and (3) increased philosophical scrutiny.
doi:10.31234/osf.io/khrdx fatcat:5ocrd6s2hfcopl56qa57dc6hke