Incredible Utility: The Lost Causes and Causal Debris of Psychological Science

Variable-oriented, sample-based individual differences research strategies and statistical modeling approaches to causal-theoretical inference depend on their logic, coherence, justification, presumed heuristic value the tacit assumption that individuals are qualitatively same, homogeneous with respect psychological structures processes underlying overt functioning, quantitative between them produced by exactly same functioning in way within each individual. This homogeneity assumption, however, is demonstrably false invalidated a substantial body of uncontested scientific evidence documenting heterogeneity as ubiquitous, defining characteristic human functioning. irreconcilable mismatch paradigm psychologically heterogeneous realities its phenomena renders methodology intrinsically incapable advancing theoretical knowledge about causes behavioral phenomena. A detailed look at this reveals also it holds considerable explanatory power root cause slow progress replication failures research, well driving force behind psychology's inability relinquish controversial reliance null hypothesis significance testing justification standard for evaluating claims.