A decade of theory as reflected in Psychological Science (2009-2019)

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/hs5nx
• Publication Date: 2020-06-11T14:28:51Z
• Authors: Jonathon McPhetres; Nihan Albayrak-Ay...; Ana Barbosa Mendes; Elvina C. Chow; Patricio Gonzalez...; Erin Loukras; Annika Maus; Aoife O'Mahony; Christina Pomareda; Maximilian Primbs; Shalaine Lynn Sac...; Conor Smithson; Kirill Volodko
• Keywords: Psychological science; Psychological Theory

The dominant belief is that science progresses by testing theories and moving towards theoretical consensus. While it’s implicitly assumed psychology operates in this manner, critical discussions claim the field suffers from a lack of cumulative theory. To examine paradox, we analysed research published Psychological Science 2009-2019 (N = 2,225). We found mention 359 in-text, most were referred to only once. Only 53.66% all manuscripts included word theory, 15.33% explicitly test predictions derived theories. interpret suggest psychological not driven nor can it be contributing theory building. These data provide insight into kinds psychologists are conducting raises questions about role sciences.