Generalization from analogue therapy to the clinical situation: The paradox and the dilemma of generality

A. E. Kazdin (see record 1979-26455-001) suggested that the issue of generalizing findings from analog therapy research to the clinical situation should be evaluated empirically. It is contended here that Kazdin's research program has no prospect, since it generates the paradox and the dilemma of generality. The paradox refers to the demonstration that the program leads to self-contradiction and to a lack of scientific progress. The dilemma refers to the attempt to avoid the paradox, which also leads to a lack of scientific progress. The solution for these problems is given by theory testing as a research program. (1 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).