Some Psychological Theories are not Empirical

Abstract

Some psychological models can be shown to follow from plausible interpretations of the concepts involved, and, hence, cannot be strengthened or weakened by data. One of the most popular models in health psychology, the `Stages of Change' Model, is analysed, using smoking cessation as an example. The sequence of stages depicted by the model is logically necessary, and the relations between the stages and the postulated processes of change are necessary too. The model is useful, but does not need to be empirically tested.

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