Work

Addressing the Precision-Breadth-Simplicity Impossible Trinity in Psychological Research: A Comprehensive Exploration Approach

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Psychological research faces a “PBS impossible trinity,” involving three key criteria: precision, breadth, and simplicity. Experimental findings are often precise and simple but may lack breadth, while concepts that are broad and simple frequently sacrifice precision. Developing a theory that is both precise and broad requires added complexity, a challenge intensified by a human preference for simplicity and certainty. To address this, a theory-oriented, data-driven comprehensive exploration approach is proposed. This approach involves conducting a large-scale experiment with tens of millions of observations, followed by the development of a moderately complex computational model that aims to integrate all relevant factors for the research question. A similar strategy has driven breakthroughs in artificial intelligence over the past two decades, suggesting it could yield similar advancements in psychology. Initial studies indicate that this approach is both practical and promising.

Source: Review of General Psychology

DOI: 10.1177/10892680251380430

Author: Liqiang Huang

Institution: Chinese University of Hong Kong

Language: English

Topic: Academic and Historical Perspectives in Psychology

Subfield: General Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900

Funders: Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee, Chinese University of Hong Kong