The historical method in psychiatric research.
This paper describes the historical method of psychiatric research and compares it with the method of natural science. Examples are provided of methodological errors in the use of this method: errors in the gathering of clinical evidence and the drawing of inferences. The paper concludes that the historical method need be no less rigorous in its application than the method of natural science, and that both methods are necessary in the comprehensive formulation of a psychiatric case.
Davies
J
J
Adult Mental Health Service, Woodridge, Queensland.
D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008501:Medical Records, Problem-Oriented; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010553:Personality Development; D011573:Psychoanalytic Interpretation; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy; D014956:Writing