Introduction

This introductory chapter to the volume outlines its core concern, namely, an abiding intellectual inertia in the discipline of scientific psychology. This inertia is reflected in prevailing beliefs and assumptions that have guided methods choices and interpretations and applications of research findings despite repeated critical analyses which have revealed such beliefs and assumptions to be, at best, weak, and at worse, completely unfounded. The introductory chapter provides a condensed preview of the contributing chapters, including of the critical commentary thereof which is provided by Lisa Osbeck. The chapter rounds out with a challenge to readers to provide critical response to both the individual contributions to the volume and to the overall theme of the volume, and, if the arguments presented therein are deemed to be valid, to implement the changes mandated by the critiques given by the volume’s contributors.