Methodological pluralism: A framework for psychotherapy research

Abstract

A new level of sophistication is advocated for psychotherapy research—methodological pluralism. This pluralism recognizes the number of unexamined and untested assumptions that are embedded within any method, including traditional scientific methods. These assumptions restrict the questions that can be asked and the variables that can be tested before any investigation of psychotherapy has occurred. Such premature closure is ultimately unscientific and hinders truly creative investigations of psychotherapy. Consequently, a framework is described that allows multiple methods—with multiple underlying philosophies—to complement one another in psychotherapy research. Five essential benefits of this pluralistic framework are shown: advancement of science, increased objectivity, a level playing field, greater scientific freedom, and an end to the burgeoning “method wars” of psychotherapy research. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 55: 1453–1465, 1999.