Limitations of Variable-Oriented Methodologies: Challenges in Gesture Research and Recommendations for Future Improvements

Abstract

One critical aspect of modern psychology involves limitations to the currently dominant variable-oriented methodological approach. In this paper, I address those limitations using gesture studies as an example. I first discuss the theoretical and methodological problems of this approach, which prevent a full understanding of the nature of gestures. Specifically, I explain how variable-oriented approaches do not allow researchers to understand initial behavior; how causal relationships do not demonstrate the mechanisms of the relationship between gestures and other psychological processes; and how the analysis of individual differences does not allow researchers to make conclusions on an individual level. I argue that an alternative approach could benefit researchers’ understanding of the nature of gestures, both from a theoretical and methodological point of view. Based on Vygotskian principles and Luria’s framework, I offer an example of how to establish the nature of gestures. Finally, I provide an example of alternative study designs and discuss possible further direction in gesture use studies.