On persons, populations, and causal mechanisms. Some critical reflections on Lundh (2023).
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: While agreeing with Lundh (2023) on many of his major points, this article also questions the notion of a 'population psychology.' It is argued that the knowledge produced in population-level studies, whether correlational, experimental, or mixed, is inherently demographic in nature. Concerning individual-level studies, agreement with Lundh (2023) is expressed concerning the need to distinguish between a conception of individuals as mere depositories of neurophysiological mechanisms on the one hand, and as active, purposeful agents on the other. It is suggested that the conceptual framework called 'critical personalism' would well serve a scientific psychology committed to the latter view.
Author: James T. Lamiell
Institution: Georgetown University
Language: English
Subfield: General Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4398245403