Pursuing Unity in a Fragmented Psychology: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

Many psychologists are concerned that disciplinary fragmentation is precluding the accumulation of knowledge and catalyzing the dissolution of institutionalized psychology. Herein the authors review prominently discussed causes of fragmentation and the solutions thus far tendered. Their review suggests that fragmentation pervades the discipline at many levels and that numerous, competing solutions to the problem of fragmentation have failed to promote unity. The authors suggest that 3 key questions must be answered before a tenable unification strategy can be formulated. Answers to these questions will provide a common starting point for discussing the problems and prospects of unification and for evaluating specific unification strategies.