"Perspective" as a new key criterion in psychological science: Is it ...

Objectivity as the counterpart of subjectivity is described as one of the most important criteria for achieving sound scientific results. Nevertheless, in psychological science, objectivity has been criticized because psychological processes are not one hundred percent observable or unambiguously interpretable by third parties. In a strict sense, objectivity can only be assumed if one speaks of "true" knowledge that is observer-independent. The concept of truth has been abandoned in science for known reasons. In fact, we need a serious alternative to "objectivity" that is compatible with current methodological developments. Simon Susen describes the opposition of "perspective versus truth" as an essential criterion of the so-called "postmodern turn" in the social sciences. The present contribution takes up this postulate and shows, on the basis of recent epistemological and methodological developments, that perspective could replace not only truth, but to a certain extent also objectivity or intersubjectivity in the use and interpretation of empirical data. Furthermore, it is discussed that the intended takeover of different perspectives may enable the further development of theories.