On Scientific Thinking - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0231048149 ISBN 13: 9780231048149

Publisher: Columbia University Press, 1981

Synopsis

Here is a book for cognitive psychologists, science historians, and working scientists that explores the nature of scientific thought from a new perspective. Arguing that science is a cognitive phenomenon, the editors seek to establish a psychological basis for the empirical investigation of science itself. The main focus of inquiry is the working of the scientific mind. Serving as a valuable introduction to a new "cognitive psychology of scientific thinking," this anthology presents the major efforts to identify and discuss the psychological processes underlying scientific thought. The articles range from classic theoretical papers on the nature of scientific thinking to recent research reports of studies on scientific creativity. Included are selections by Bacon, Piaget, and Kuhn which call for the development of a psychology of science, and essays by Newton, Locke, Popper, and Eccles on the use of hypotheses. The role of mathematics and statistics in science is discussed by Wertheimer, Galton, Meehl, and Cronbach; and the final section treats the theme of scientific creativity, with selections by Darwin, Holton, Gruber, Einstein, and others. The epilogue assesses the current status of the cognitive psychology of science and discusses its prospects.

Edition details

• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Publication date: 1981
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0231048149
• ISBN 13: 9780231048149
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 459
• Editor: Ryan D. Tweney, Michael Doherty, Clifford R.Mynatt