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Some uncertainty regarding uncertainty reduction

Publication ,  Journal Article
Weinfurt, KP
Published in: Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology
January 1, 1994

Tryon (1991a) has proposed the definition of a scientific explanation as an explanation that reduces uncertainty, and relates this to the reduction of statistical variance. Lamiell (1991) criticizes Tryon on several grounds, arguing that the reduction of criterion variance does not yield knowledge of the sort Tryon desires. This paper comments on Tryon's proposal, including his reply (1991b) to Lamiell's criticisms. It is concluded that explanation as uncertainty reduction is a simple recapitulation of the Hempelian model of explanation at the theoretical level, and an erroneous conception of statistical epistemology at the methodological level.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology

DOI

ISSN

1068-8471

Publication Date

January 1, 1994

Volume

14

Issue

2

Start / End Page

193 / 199

Related Subject Headings

  • 52 Psychology
  • 50 Philosophy and religious studies
  • 2203 Philosophy
  • 1702 Cognitive Sciences
  • 1701 Psychology
 

Citation

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Weinfurt, K. P. (1994). Some uncertainty regarding uncertainty reduction. Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, 14(2), 193–199. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0091362
Weinfurt, K. P. “Some uncertainty regarding uncertainty reduction.” Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology 14, no. 2 (January 1, 1994): 193–99. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0091362.
Weinfurt KP. Some uncertainty regarding uncertainty reduction. Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology. 1994 Jan 1;14(2):193–9.
Weinfurt, K. P. “Some uncertainty regarding uncertainty reduction.” Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, vol. 14, no. 2, Jan. 1994, pp. 193–99. Scopus, doi:10.1037/h0091362.
Weinfurt KP. Some uncertainty regarding uncertainty reduction. Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology. 1994 Jan 1;14(2):193–199.

Published In

Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology

DOI

ISSN

1068-8471

Publication Date

January 1, 1994

Volume

14

Issue

2

Start / End Page

193 / 199

Related Subject Headings

  • 52 Psychology
  • 50 Philosophy and religious studies
  • 2203 Philosophy
  • 1702 Cognitive Sciences
  • 1701 Psychology