A critique of research in psychoanalytic theory.

The relationship between psychoanalytic theory and the experimental method is examined, with particular reference to the empirical studies on the oral and anal phases of development. The deficiencies in the design and conceptualization of many studies are discussed, as well as confusions in the writing of psychoanalytic theory. A central issue in bringing the experimental method to psychoanalytic theory is the question: What is being tested? A list of all projective and objective tests used to assess orality and anality is provided.