The scientific status of psychology.

An attempt is made to assess the scientific status of the discipline of psychology. Changes in the meaning of science which have occurred through the history of psychology are outlined. Three alternative models—natural science, non‐science, and human science—are critically evaluated. The human science approach provides the necessary theoretical clarity, methodological rigor, comprehensive unifying potential, and proper relations with the natural sciences, humanities, and technology. Socio‐cultural obstacles to psychology's becoming an authentic science are enumerated.