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Any Theory Can Be Useful Theory, Even If It Gets On Our Nerves

University of British Columbia

The science of social psychology would benefit from a renewed commitment to big brash theory. Jost and Kruglanski (this issue) suggest that social constructionist themes and attitudes may be useful in this regard. I elaborate further on the ways in which social constructionist theory can indeed inspire conceptual boldness but warn that constructionist approaches can also be conceptually constraining. Social psychology will benefit most if social psychologists emulate social constructionists' willingness to engage in "unnecessary" speculation but rebel against constructionists' unwillingness to seek universally applicable theories. Social constructionism challenges us to confront big questions, and the science of social psychology will best be spurred forward if we respond to that challenge by seeking big bold answers.

Personality and Social Psychology Review, Vol. 6, No. 3, 199-203 (2002)
DOI: 10.1207/S15327957PSPR0603_5


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