How necessary is the unconscious as a predictive, explanatory, or prescriptive construct?
We elucidate the epistemological futility of using concepts such as unconscious thinking in research. Focusing on Newell & Shanks' (N&S's) use of the lens model as a framework, we clarify issues with regard to unconscious-thought theory (UTT) and self-insight studies. We examine these key points: Brunswikian psychology is absent in UTT; research on self-insight did not emerge to explore the unconscious; the accuracy of judgments does not necessitate the unconscious; and the prescriptive claim of UTT is unfounded.
Psychology Department, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701. gonzalez@ohio.edu danlassiter@mac.com jw225207@gmail.com http://www.ohioupsychology.com/
Claudia
C
González-Vallejo
Center for Policy Research and Department of Public Administration and Policy, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY 12222. t.stewart@albany.edu http://www.albany.edu/cpr/
Thomas R
TR
Stewart
Psychology Department, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701. gonzalez@ohio.edu danlassiter@mac.com jw225207@gmail.com http://www.ohioupsychology.com/
G Daniel
GD
Lassiter
Psychology Department, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701. gonzalez@ohio.edu danlassiter@mac.com jw225207@gmail.com http://www.ohioupsychology.com/
Justin M
JM
Weindhardt
D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D014473:Unconscious, Psychology