Tension Between the Theoretical Thinking and the Empirical Method: Is it an Inevitable Fate for Psychology?

摘要

This paper will start from focusing on the limitations of quantitative approach in psychology from three viewpoints. First- data collection, especially experiments and questionnaires as two major methods of quantitative approach. The second limitation is data aggregation, followed by the third- statistical significance testing. After that, recent spread of qualitative approach as another option for one of psychological methods will be introduced and a controversy surrounding epistemology of qualitative approach will be also introduced. Finally, it will be discussed that accumulation of faithful descriptions on reality, especially from qualitative approach, would be needed for producing creative research.