EVOLUTIONARY APPROACHES TO PSYCHIATRY AND PROBLEMS OF METHOD COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHIATRY LANE, L. W., Luchins, D. J. 1988; 29 (6): 598-603

Abstract

Evolutionary hypotheses have been used widely to interpret enigmatic psychiatric phenomena. In applying evolutionary theory, three common methodological errors occur: imprecise and inappropriate use of evidence and theoretical concepts; incorrect assessment of the level at which evolutionary processes occur; and potential misinterpretation of observations due to a confusion of proximate and ultimate causation. Guidelines and criteria for developing meaningful evolutionary hypotheses and rigorous research strategies are described. It is hoped that these efforts will enhance the contribution evolutionary theory may have as it is applied to psychiatric observations in the future.

View details for Web of Science ID A1988R152000009

View details for PubMedID 3069308