Assessing theoretical conclusions with blinded inference to investigate a potential inference crisis
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-17-2019
Department
Department of Cognitive and Learning Sciences
Abstract
Scientific advances across a range of disciplines hinge on the ability to make inferences about unobservable theoretical entities on the basis of empirical data patterns. Accurate inferences rely on both discovering valid, replicable data patterns and accurately interpreting those patterns in terms of their implications for theoretical constructs. The replication crisis in science has led to widespread efforts to improve the reliability of research findings, but comparatively little attention has been devoted to the validity of inferences based on those findings. Using an example from cognitive psychology, we demonstrate a blinded-inference paradigm for assessing the quality of theoretical inferences from data. Our results reveal substantial variability in experts’ judgments on the very same data, hinting at a possible inference crisis.
Publication Title
Advances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science
Recommended Citation
Starns, J. J.,
Cataldo, A. M.,
Rotello, C. M.,
Annis, J.,
Aschenbrenner, A.,
Bröder, A.,
Mueller, S.,
&
et. al.
(2019).
Assessing theoretical conclusions with blinded inference to investigate a potential inference crisis.
Advances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science,
2(4), 335-349.
http://doi.org/10.1177/2515245919869583
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/2600