The postmodern experiment: science and ontology in experimental social psychology

Journal/Book: Brit J Sociol. 1997; 48: 11 New Fetter Lane, London, England EC4P 4EE. Routledge. 594-610.

Abstract: Traditional debates over the validity of operationalization in psychological experiments overlook the fact that they often simply dramatize, as opposed to discover, telling social phenomena. Many landmark experiments survive otherwise fatal questioning of their validity because of their moral, ontological or pedagogical relevance. This proposition is examined in the context of the leading social influence studies. Postmodernism suggests that the distinction between research as secular drama and research as rational insight is moot. As a result, the history of the discipline tends to comprise studies that are morally pertinent but scientifically ephemeral. The postmodern experiment is a crisis in operationalism brought about, not by abstraction, but by the pertinence of psychology to social life and by the confusion of the ontological and empirical aspirations of inquiry.

Note: Article Brannigan A, Univ Calgary, Dept Sociol, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, CANADA

Keyword(s): operationalization; ontology; disciplinary crisis; influence studies; OPERATIONISM

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