Overview
The Great Psychology Delusion takes an unflinching look at some of the foundational assumptions of psychological science. Exploring long-standing unanswered critiques of psychological research in a way that is detailed but accessible, the book brings together a wealth of material that challenges our understanding of what the science of psychology really is, and how the subject matter of that science should be conceived. Identifying a Great Delusion (that there is a coherent discipline of psychology with sound foundations), the authors explore a number of more specific delusions regarding scientific practice in psychology. These include the problematic assumptions of core statistical analyses, questionable aspects of frequently used experimental designs and continued frictions regarding the much-aspired-to scientist-practitioner model. The delusions produce the uncomfortable state in which we find much of modern psychological science – theoretically challenged, poorly replicated and with questionable real-world value. This unsentimental examination of the state of things nevertheless allows the authors to identify concrete steps that the scientific community can take to re-ground psychological research and move forward to a successful science studying the richest and most complex phenomena we know of: us. This book will interest all people interested in psychological science, from undergraduate students to researchers.
Full Product Details
Author: Craig Speelman (Edith Cowan University) ,
Marek McGann
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint: Routledge
Weight: 0.400kg
ISBN: 9781032815404
ISBN 10: 103281540
Pages: 200
Publication Date: 26 September 2025
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Undergraduate
,
Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Not yet available
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.
Reviews
'Speelman and McGann’s critique of the assumptions that underlie much contemporary research in psychology reveals the flaws that have impeded its development as a science. This book is a major work that should reform research practice in the field.' Geoff Hammond, Emeritus Professor, University of Western Australia 'The book by Speelman and McGann has many nuggets of wisdom of which my favorite is their aggregation delusion, and additional delusions follow. I recommend the book for those who wish to become better researchers or better research consumers.' David Trafimow, Professor, New Mexico State University 'Given its subject matter, I wasn’t expecting to feel so invigorated, inspired, and hopeful about psychology once I’d finished reading. Speelman and McGann offer an incisive dissection of psychology’s current ills, and a thoughtful discussion, with workable solutions, for how we can remedy them. I cannot recommend this book highly enough — everyone even remotely interested in psychology should read it.' Louise Barrett, FRSC, Professor, University of Lethbridge, Canada
'Speelman and McGann’s critique of the assumptions that underlie much contemporary research in psychology reveals the flaws that have impeded its development as a science. This book is a major work that should reform research practice in the field.' Geoff Hammond, Emeritus Professor, University of Western Australia 'The book by Speelman and McGann has many nuggets of wisdom of which my favorite is their aggregation delusion, and additional delusions follow. I recommend the book for those who wish to become better researchers or better research consumers.' David Trafimow, Professor, New Mexico State University
Author Information
Craig P. Speelman is Professor of Cognitive Psychology in the School of Arts and Humanities of Edith Cowan University, Australia. Marek McGann is Lecturer in the Department of Psychology of Mary Immaculate College, Ireland.
