Theory-testing in psychology and physics: A methodological paradox

Excerpts

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.

Reference

Paul E Meehl “Theory-testing in psychology and physics: A methodological paradox” (1967)

@Article{meehl1967,
  title = {Theory-testing in psychology and physics: A methodological paradox},
  author = {Meehl, Paul E},
  journal = {Philosophy of science},
  volume = {34},
  number = {2},
  pages = {103--115},
  year = {1967},
  publisher = {Cambridge University Press}
}