ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we address three issues: (a) the generality of a finding, its external validity and the centrality of internal validity, (b) context, in particular the claim that context is sometimes available in poorly controlled but not in well-controlled settings, and (c) the matter of functionalism. We regard the observations we offer, especially (a) and (b), to be among the most basic issues that confront any attempt at a systematic investigation of any aspect of mind and behaviour. In view of the sophistication of likely readers of this volume, we offer this discussion with some deference, intending our discussion most obviously for the neophyte to scientific psychology and, more ambitiously, for the teacher of scientific psychology.
