Boundaryless psychology: A discussion.

Abstract

This article is divided into three parts. In the introduction, I echo the case for breaking down boundaries. In the Article Critiques, I point out some of the good points and some concerns about each of the empirical articles in this section. In the General Comments, I design a two-dimensional matrix to help researchers decide how to best break down barriers in their research. This matrix has Order of Distance Between Fields on one axis and Theory Development on the other. In order of proximal to distal, the former axis is divided into target subdiscipline, other like-paradigm subdisciplines, other subdisciplines, other broad category sciences, and other sciences. In order of moving away from one's own discipline, the later axis is divided into statistical methodologies, philosophy of science, history of science, humanities, vicarious experience, and personal experience. Finally, I give a hypothetical example to illustrate how a researcher could use this matrix to break down barriers in psychology.

Canadian psychology in a global context.

“…It is important for psychologists across Canada to work together and talk to each other, proud of their traditions in both science and practise. Duffy (2003) outlined some of the benefits of organising psychology around a common theme. Sternberg (2004) suggested that this common theme could be culture as all psychological phenomena should be interpreted within the cultural context in which they occur.…”

La psychologie canadienne dans un contexte global.

“…Il est important que les psychologues de partout au Canada travaillent ensemble et communiquent les uns avec les autres, qu'ils soient fiers de leurs contributions à la science et à la pratique. Duffy (2003) a souligné certains avantages à organiser la psychologie autour d'un thème commun. Selon Sternberg (2004), ce thème commun pourrait être la culture, puisque tous les phénomènes psychologiques gagnent à être interprétés en fonction du contexte culturel dans lequel ils se produisent.…”

Editorial: Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement: A Forum for Integration in Geropsychology

“…All these areas ought to be represented among the psychology papers published in the journal. Duffy (2003) outlined some of the benefits of organizing psychology around a common interest. In our case, the common interest is aging.…”