How Universal Is the Universal Law of Cognitive Structure Activation?
| Autor: | Donal E. Carlston |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 1991 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | Psychological Inquiry. 2:185-187 |
| ISSN: | 1532-7965 1047-840X |
| Popis: | Sedikides and Skowronski suggest that the "law of cognitive structure activation" represents one of those general principles of behavior so fundamental and far-reaching that it qualifies as a universal law. Their review indicates the breadth of psychological phenomena (ranging from altruism, competition, and interpersonal relationships to aggression, depression, and socialization) that can be readily understood in terms of this principle. It is apparent from their exposition that many (perhaps most) findings in psychology can be interpreted from the perspective they provide. But does this suggest that the notion of cognitive structure activation deserves that rare and special status as a "universal law" of human behavior? Arguably, the integration they offer reflects more of an approach or perspective. That diverse findings can be brought under the same "theoretical umbrella" may tell us less about the equivalence of these things than about the size of that umbrella. ' For the perspective that Sedikides and Skowronski offer to achieve "lawful" status, it will be necessary to demonstrate that the objects under their umbrella share more than the shade. The objective of this commentary is to consider some possible differences among phenomena that they treat as equivalent instances of "cognitive structure activation." I do not quarrel with their perspective (which is actually compatible with my own; cf. Carlston & Skowronski, 1986; Wyer & Carlston, 1979). Rather, I hope to suggest some areas where further theoretical differentiation and elaboration seems necessary. The consequence of such theoretical refinements (and the empirical work necessary to support them) is that their law of cognitive structure activation may come to look less universal but more lawful. This is probably a common fate for universal laws, which ultimately become qualified, as important distinctions and limitations become apparent. Sedikides and Skowronski have provided a valuable integration of psychological findings; the next step is likely to be one of "disintegration" as the equivalence of constructs and processes subsumed within their approach is more critically examined. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
| Externí odkaz: |
|