What Should Cognitive Science Look Like? Neither a Tree Nor Physics. (8th October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schunn, Christian D.
• Is Part Of: Topics in cognitive science. Volume 11:Number 4(2019)
• Page Start: 845
• Page End: 852
• Publication Date: 2019-10-08
• Subjects: Cluster analysis -- Research programs -- Competition -- Maps of science -- Sociology of science; Cognitive science -- Periodicals; Cognitive Science -- Periodicals; 153.05
• DOI: 10.1111/tops.12467
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-8757

Abstract

Abstract: While pointing out important features of cognitive science, Núñez et al. (2019) also argue prematurely for the end of cognitive science. I discuss problematic analytic features in the application of hierarchical cluster analysis to journal citation data. On the conceptual side, I argue that the research programs framework of Lakatos may not be so wisely applied to cognitive science. Further, the diversity of structure in cognitive science departments may represent a rational, strategic adaptation by an interdisciplinary department to cognitive and other resource challenges rather than the sign of low progress on a discipline.