Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
11 p.
Publication Date
9-2016
Publisher
American Psychological Association
Source Publication
American Psychologist
Source ISSN
0003-066X
Original Item ID
DOI: 10.1037/a0040227; PubMed Central: PMID: 27571528
Abstract
The behavioral and neurosciences have made remarkable progress recently in advancing the scientific understanding of human psychology. Though research in many areas is still in its early stages, knowledge of many psychological processes is now firmly grounded in experimental tests of falsifiable theories and supports a unified, paradigmatic understanding of human psychology that is thoroughly consistent with the rest of the natural sciences. This new body of knowledge poses critical questions for professional psychology, which still often relies on the traditional theoretical orientations and other preparadigmatic practices for guiding important aspects of clinical education and practice. This article argues that professional psychology needs to systematically transition to theoretical frameworks and a curriculum that are based on an integrated scientific understanding of human psychology. Doing so would be of historic importance for the field and would result in major changes to professional psychology education and practice. It would also allow the field to emerge as a true clinical science.
Recommended Citation
Melchert, Timothy P., "Leaving Behind Our Preparadigmatic Past: Professional Psychology as A Unified Clinical Science" (2016). College of Education Faculty Research and Publications. 399.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/edu_fac/399
Comments
Accepted version. American Psychologist, Vol. 71, No. 6 (September 2016): 486-496. DOI. © 2016 American Psychological Association. Used with permission.