Methodological pluralism: A framework for psychotherapy research

A new level of sophistication is advocated for psychotherapy research-metho dological pluralism. This pluralism recognizes the number of unexamined and untested assumptions that are embedded within any method, including tradit ional 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 unscientif ic and hinders truly creative investigations of psychotherapy. Consequently , a framework is described that allows multiple methods-with multiple under lying philosophies-to complement one another in psychotherapy research. Fiv e essential benefits of this pluralistic framework are shown: advancement o f science, increased objectivity, a lever playing field, greater scientific freedom, and an end to the burgeoning "method wars" of psychotherapy resea rch. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.