INTEGRATION OF KNOWLEDGE IN MODERN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE: CROSS-THEORETICAL INTEGRATIONS AND EMPIRICAL MODELS

Abstract

The concepts of cross-theoretical and empirical integrations are taken into consideration at the methodological, theoretical, empirical, and practical levels. Some conditions for the integration of theories are highlighted and analyzed. Among them are differentiation, potential for generalization, dynamic structures and divergent functions, levels and multidimensionality, mediation, relativity and complementarity, integrative qualities. Particular attention is paid to three kinds of commonality, namely, causal, generalizing and intertwining ones. These varieties of commonality are theoretical in nature, and they need empirical support. For this, first of all, they need to be converted into empirical concepts and operationalized. The operationalization of cross-theoretical integrations and their empirical study propose three criteria such as the commonality, the mediation, and the time. Confirmatory factor analysis (one-factor and two-factor) is in use to examine the commonality. Structural equation modeling is used to investigate the mediation. The time distinguishes between the present, the future in relation to the present, and the future as an updated present (realized future).