Theory and research on 'race' as a natural kind variable in psychology

Abstract. This article examines a portion of the theory about and research on ‘race ’ in the field of psychology. Specifically, we examine whether the construct of ‘race ’ can be used efficaciously as a natural kind variable that explains data in psychological inquiry. The foregoing consideration involves an exploration of the so-called ‘biological/genetic ’ bases of ‘race ’ from the conceptual paradigms of (a) mutual exclusivity and inalterablity and (b) gradations on a continuum of genetic data. Our critique of these positions suggests an abdication of ‘race ’ as a natural kind variable because both of the above arguments for the concept are ultimately incoherent given the genetic data that they seek to explain. Consequently, ‘race ’ as a natural kind variable cannot explain psychological data. However, because the idea of ‘race ’ has become diffused into societies, ‘race ’ should be studied as a purely cognitive concept that influences social perception