The chronological method which begins with the experience of the
learner and develops from that the proper modes of scientific
treatment is often called the ‘psychological’ method in
distinction from the logical method of the expert or specialist
The chronological method which begins with the experience of the
learner and develops from that the proper modes of scientific
treatment is often called the ‘psychological’ method in
distinction from the logical method of the expert or specialist.
The apparent loss of time involved is more than made up for by
the superior understanding and vital interest secured. What the
pupil learns he at least understands. Moreover by following, in
connection with problems selected from the material of ordinary
acquaintance, the methods by which scientific men have reached
their perfected knowledge, he gains independent power to deal
with material within his range, and avoids the mental confusion
and intellectual distaste attendant upon studying matter whose
meaning is only symbolic. Since the mass of pupils are never
going to become scientific specialists, it is much more important
that they should get some insight into what scientific method
means than that they should copy at long range and second hand
the results which scientific men have reached. Students will not
go so far, perhaps, in the ‘ground covered,’ but they will be
sure and intelligent as far as they do go. And it is safe to say
that the few who go on to be scientific experts will have a
better preparation than if they had been swamped with a large
mass of purely technical and symbolically stated information. In
fact, those who do become successful men of science are those who
by their own power manage to avoid the pitfalls of a traditional
scholastic introduction into it.