Qualitative (pure) mathematics as an alternative to measurement

This paper focuses on the possible usage of qualitative mathematics in psychology. Qualitative mathematics is understood to be equivalent to pure mathematics. First, it is explained that mathematics is a discipline studying patterns in reproducible mental objects. Qualitative mathematics is presented as an alternative to measurement, potentially offering the same level of exactness, clarity, and rigor. This perspective might lead psychologists to explore connections between a phenomenon and any kind of mathematical structure, regardless of whether the structure is quantitative. Usage of (any) mathematical structures might require scholars who are familiar with them. Consequently, changes in mathematics education may also be needed. Introducing non-numerical structures into mathematics education-thereby partially revisiting the New Math Movement-could train individuals more prepared for a creative approach to the use of structures and less inclined to view everything as quantitative.

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Publication Details

Journal
Frontiers in Psychology
Published
2024-10-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1374308
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Academic and Historical Perspectives in Psychology
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
7.64
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article

Qualitative (pure) mathematics as an alternative to measurement

Václav Linkov
2 citations
Frontiers in Psychology
Academic and Historical Perspectives in Psychology
7.64
article

Qualitative (pure) mathematics as an alternative to measurement

Václav Linkov
article en
2 citations

Abstract

This paper focuses on the possible usage of qualitative mathematics in psychology. Qualitative mathematics is understood to be equivalent to pure mathematics. First, it is explained that mathematics is a discipline studying patterns in reproducible mental objects. Qualitative mathematics is presented as an alternative to measurement, potentially offering the same level of exactness, clarity, and rigor. This perspective might lead psychologists to explore connections between a phenomenon and any kind of mathematical structure, regardless of whether the structure is quantitative. Usage of (any) mathematical structures might require scholars who are familiar with them. Consequently, changes in mathematics education may also be needed. Introducing non-numerical structures into mathematics education-thereby partially revisiting the New Math Movement-could train individuals more prepared for a creative approach to the use of structures and less inclined to view everything as quantitative.

Frontiers in PsychologyVol. 15
Comenius University Bratislava (SK)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 3%
Academic and Historical Perspectives in Psychology
7.64
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