Scientists Will Discuss Paul Meehl’s Legacy at the 25th APS Annual Convention

Paul Meehl is known for bringing the power of statistics to bear on the field of clinical psychology. In his 1954 book, Clinical Statistical Prediction: A Theoretical Analysis and Review of Evidence, he showed that statistical formulas were better than, or at least equal to, clinicians at predicting things such as what sort of treatment would best benefit a mentally ill person.

A decade after Meehl’s death, the process of ensuring that patients are receiving mental health care that is based on sound science continues — and Meehl’s legacy remains relevant. In a symposium cosponsored by the Psychometric Society at the 25th APS Annual Convention, four eminent speakers will discuss Paul Meehl’s legacy for clinical psychology and scientific thinking. Kenneth Seedman Kendler, Denny Borsboom, Howard N. Garb, and Robert Krueger will focus on the implications of Meehl’s work for psychiatric diagnosis, the etiology of psychopathology, philosophy of science, psychometrics, and prediction. The speakers will also explore how future research will extend Meehl’s thinking in novel directions.