Critical cognitive science: A systematic review towards a critical science

Abstract

Many leading scholars have highlighted the use of Critical Race Theory (CRT) in approaching research and practice in psychology. Critical Race Theory allows for cognitive science to take a more intersectional perspective rather than perpetuate the exclusionary and universal limitations associated with traditional cognitive science. This review and commentary apply CRT to cognitive science to address three main goals. The first is describing the history of cognitive science and how CRT tenets can help understand the need for a critical race perspective. Second is applying the CRT tenet of recognizing racism in cognitive science through a rigorous systematic review. The third is highlighting the tenet of whitewashing psychological phenomenon to explain epistemic exclusion and provide recommendations to combat it. CRT is an important framework in cognitive science as it can help combat the harmful methodologies and implications that have been perpetuated for decades (e.g., racist assumption of intelligence, exclusion of participants because of hair texture).