Good Science is an account of psychological research emphasizing the moral foundations of inquiry. This volume brings together existing disciplinary critiques of scientism, objectivism, and instrumentalism, and then discusses how these contribute to institutionalized privilege and to less morally responsive research practices. The author draws on historical, critical, feminist, and science studies traditions to provide an alternative account of psychological science and to highlight the irreducibly moral foundations of everyday scientific practice. This work outlines a theoretical framework for thinking about and practicing psychology in ways that center moral responsibility, collective commitment, and justice. The book then applies this framework, describing psychological research practices in terms of the their moral dilemmas. Also included are materials meant to aid in methods instruction and mentoring.

‘For any psychologist who aspires to do good science, Clegg’s lucid account of the halting and stumbling path we have heretofore taken toward this goal is simply a must-read.’

Alexandra Rutherford - York University, Canada

‘Clegg offers a hard-hitting, but artful and engaging, critique of the myth that scientists are capable of navigating around the moral ‘geography’ of science. This book is a must-read for any student, teacher, or researcher in psychology with genuine interest in creating and participating in legitimately good science.’

Kathleen L. Slaney - Simon Fraser University, Canada

‘In the midst of pandemic, just when we need him, the brilliant critical psychologist Joshua Clegg publishes Good Science, a text that re-sutures science to moral geography. This book stitches a critique of science with a radical imagination for scientific practice with deep moral attention. The question is not ‘if’ science, but ‘how,’ with whom, and toward what end. Writing at the nexus of philosophy of science, critical theory, and social psychology, and pitched toward seasoned social scientists, graduate students, and undergraduates, Good Science carves a path toward just research. At a time when the dominant debate is ‘pro-science’ vs. ‘anti-science,’ Clegg introduces an ethical nuance - ‘good’ science. Thank you, Josh, for a text that is at once brilliant and moral, complex and accessible, intellectually bold and humble. Classic Clegg.’

Michelle Fine - City University of New York Graduate Center, USA

‘Joshua Clegg provides a much-needed articulation of what went astray in psychology’s obsession with objectivism. Connecting epistemology with ethics and demonstrating the entanglement of what we know with what we should do, he envisions a discipline where questions of the just and good take center stage in researching psychosocial life. In convincing detail, Clegg argues that it is not only possible, but necessary, to be a moral agent in psychological studies, and that epistemic justice is an achievable goal.’

Thomas Teo - York University, Canada

‘Impressive in scope and command, Good Science deftly casts scientific practice as an irreducibly moral endeavor. Clegg integrates a wide range of ideas in a clear and compelling new synthesis, entreating psychologists at all levels of expertise to grapple with the personal and communal obligations of systematic inquiry.’

Lisa M. Osbeck - University of West Georgia, USA

‘… a thought-provoking text … Highly recommended.’

B. C. Beins Source: Choice