Can substantive theorizing really save us from ourselves? A skeptical commentary on Wicker's proposal.
This commentary concurs in Wicker's call for more attention to substantive theorizing, but attempts to place that strategic approach within a broader conceptual and methodological context. It presents a perspective that is somewhat more skeptical than Wicker's as to the ultimate potential of research in our field. Specifically, the commentary discusses five themes that Wicker raises in support of the importance and potential value of substantive theorizing, looking at the dark side of each of them as well as at the potential gains. The commentary thus tries to give an appropriate balance of attention to both the limitations and the advantages of substantive theorizing.
McGrath
J E
JE
Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, Champaign 61820.
D002755:Choice Behavior; D006801:Humans; D011593:Psychology, Social / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D012108:Research Personnel; D012945:Social Values