Educational Psychology and its Failings: a reply to Olssen

Abstract

Olssen has recently claimed that educational psychology, being a derivative of mainstream psychology, is a sham, a pseudo‐science based upon outdated positivist philosophy of science and an inappropriate understanding of the social determinants of individual behaviour and of mind. This article argues, firstly, that educational psychology has a certain independence of psychology in general; secondly, that most modem psychology does not rely on positivism; and, thirdly, that whatever the ultimate roots of behaviours and mental phenomena, it is perfectly logical—indeed it is a necessary part of the discipline—for psychologists to concentrate upon studying and working with individuals.