If you had a bright, creative, and articulate student who had performed well
in her courses, participated with insight, and had a passion for the field,
would you write her a letter? I might.
If she didn't agree that psychology is a science, would you write her that
letter? I might. We have debated certain sub-fields of psychology as
non-scientific a hundred times on this list.
On the other hand, I wouldn't feel compelled to write her, or any other
student, a letter of rec despite exemplary performance and outstanding
potential. I have been asked to write several letters for exemplary
students who have every objective qualification in their corner. Yet, I
encouraged them to look elsewhere for a letter because I didn't want to
stand behind their application.
Anecdotally, one of those was recently kicked out of grad school for ethical
violations and another dropped out to avoid similar issues. Though not
apparent in their academic performance, I had reservations.
In the end, it is ME saying this person SHOULD go on, not that they CAN go
on. That is a value judgment.
David
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(o o)
--------oOOo-(_)-oOOo----------------
David B. Daniel, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Associate Research Scientist
University of Maine at Farmington New England Research Institutes
234 Main Street
Farmington, ME 04938
207-778-7411
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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