Library / Theory-Testing in Psychology and physics: A Methodological Paradox

Reference

Paul E Meehl “Theory-testing in psychology and physics: A methodological paradox” (1967) // Philosophy of science. Publisher: Cambridge University Press. Vol. 34. No 2. Pp. 103–115.

Bib

@Article{meehl1967,
  title = {Theory-testing in psychology and physics: A methodological paradox},
  author = {Meehl, Paul E},
  url = {https://meehl.umn.edu/sites/meehl.umn.edu/files/files/074theorytestingparadox.pdf},
  journal = {Philosophy of science},
  volume = {34},
  number = {2},
  pages = {103--115},
  year = {1967},
  publisher = {Cambridge University Press}
}

Quotes (1)

Eager-Beaver Researchers

Meanwhile our eager-beaver researcher, undismayed by logic-of-science considerations and relying blissfully on the “exactitude” of modem statistical hypothesis-testing, has produced a long publication list and been promoted to a full professorship. In terms of his contribution to the enduring body of psychological knowledge, he has done hardly anything. His true position is that of a potent-but-sterile intellectual rake, who leaves in his merry path a long train of ravished maidens but no viable scientific offspring.

First, I found this quote in the paper itself, next rediscovered it in Statistics Done Wrong.