Two levels of meaning elaboration in psychological research

Neto, David Dias; Leiman, Mikael

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.12/8173

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Authors

Neto, David Dias

Leiman, Mikael

Abstract(s)

Arocha (2021) discusses the “replication crisis,” arguing for models that allow a greater complexity in the relationship between variables and processes. In this comment, we identify a more fundamental issue: the impossibility of eliminating interpretation issues with operational definitions and increased rigor in the measurements of variables and processes. Interpretation is at the core of (a) human action and (b) scientific endeavor. First, considering Vygotsky, we argue that all higher mental processes are sign mediated, influencing psychological research with humans. Second, that the understanding of research results also involves sign mediation and, therefore, it is nonneutral. We suggest two alternative approaches. There needs to be an increase in research that delivers a detailed description of psychological phenomena. Additionally, it is necessary to increase the elucidation of contextual-embeddedness research. Taking into account the two levels of meaning will underline psychology as a scientific discipline of complex phenomena.

Keywords

Epistemology Replication crisis Semiotic mediation Variability Vygotsky

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.12/8173

Citation

Neto, D. D.& Leiman, M.(2021). Two levels of meaning elaboration in psychological research. Theory & Psychology, 31(3), 446-450 https://doi.org/10.1177/09593543211006780