Operationism & Essentialism

Essentialism Essentialism = good scientific theories give ultimate explanations of essential properties Unless a theory provides the ultimate explanation of something it is useless

Operationism Operationism = concepts in scientific theories must be grounded in observable events that can be measured Operational definition = linking a concept to an observable event Not based on personal judgment Scientists are NOT Essentialists – they are operationists

Operationism Operational definitions employ multiple concepts Require specificity These concepts may need operational definitions themselves

Indirect Operational Definitions Anxiety Worry Headache Concentration Tension Unrealistic view of problems Restlessness ‘Edgy’ or irritable Persistent pain for most of the day, nearly every day for at least two weeks Muscle tension in neck CPT performance Brenner Distraction Questionnaire 30 min TV show

Evolution of Science As new information is learned, definitions change Ex. Anxiety & Intelligence This evolution is a result of scientific activity rather than language debate Definition of concept is best formulated after something is known about it

Pre-existing Bias Problem People don’t come into the field of climatology with emotional attachments to the concepts of cloud formation We all have intuitive definitions of psychological concepts Annoyance Depression Love Competitiveness Alcoholism Excitability

Essentialist ?s & the Misunderstanding of Psychology There is an unrealistic expectation of psychologists to provide essentialist answers to ultimate questions Psychologist’s unwillingness to attempt to provide these answers is often frowned upon Other sciences do not have this same expectation