Multilevel Modeling and the Explanatory Autonomy of Psychology. Issue 3 (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fang, Wei
• Other Names: Cheung Chor-yung guest-editor.; Di Iorio Francesco guest-editor.; Dumouchel Paul guest-editor.; Gotoh Reiko guest-editor.; Tamthai Mark guest-editor.; Yoshida Kei guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Philosophy of the social sciences. Volume 50:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 175
• Page End: 194
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: multilevel modeling -- psychology -- reductionism -- explanatory autonomy; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Sciences sociales -- Périodiques; Sciences sociales -- Méthodologie -- Périodiques; 300.1
• DOI: 10.1177/0048393120917633
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0048-3931

Abstract

This article argues for the explanatory autonomy of psychology drawing on cases from the multilevel modeling practice. This is done by considering a multilevel linear model in personality and social psychology, and discussing its philosophical implications for the reductionism debate in philosophy of psychology. I argue that this practice challenges the reductionist position in philosophy of psychology, and supports the explanatory autonomy of psychology.