Convenient Quote by Anthony Standen
“Psychologists pay lip service to the scientific method, and use it whenever it is convenient; but when it isn't they make wild leaps of their uncontrolled fancy.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Scientific Method in Psychology, 1972
Psychologists claim scientific rigor but often abandon it when inconvenient, leading to unchecked speculation.
In simple terms: They pretend to follow science but ignore it when it doesn’t fit.
Key Takeaway
Demand consistent methodological standards.
Themes
integrity
science
psychology
bias
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
ethical
professional
When to use this quote
- academic publishing
- clinical practice
- policy making
- public communication
Key Concepts
methodology
confirmation bias
research ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- When does flexibility become compromise?
- How can we hold researchers accountable?
A Different Perspective
Criticism may overlook legitimate methodological constraints.
