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The heuristic value of controversy in science

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 February 2007

Scott O. Lilienfeld
Scott O. Lilienfeld*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322 http://www.psychology.emory.edu/clinical/lilienfeld/index.html
*
slilien@emory.edu
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Abstract

Ceci et al.'s (2006) findings remind us that tenure rarely serves its intended purpose. I argue that tenure often fails in part because many faculty members possess an insufficient appreciation for the heuristic value of controversy in science and other disciplines. Using two case examples from clinical/personality psychology, I show how controversial positions can draw sharp criticism while facilitating scientific progress.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 29 , Issue 6 , December 2006 , pp. 580 - 581
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

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