Two Challenges to “Embodied Cognition” Research And How to Overcome Them

The term "embodied cognition" has been used increasingly in psychological research, yet its meaning remains unclear and it does not refer to a coherent theoretical framework. Rather than seeking evidence for or against this vague label, the field should pursue large-scale, systematic projects that address well-defined cognitive tasks. Such projects should incorporate preregistration, replication, and open materials, code, and data. Aligning incentives in the field with the goal of increasing research reliability and validity is essential, and there is optimism that this alignment will occur soon.

Study at a glance

Abstract

From the time the notion “embodied cognition” has entered the field, researchers have been concerned about its meaning. Does the term refer to a coherent theoretical framework? Despite these concerns, use of the term “embodied cognition” has increased over the years to plateau in recent years. I will argue that the best way forward is not to search for evidence for or against some vague label but rather to systematically, in large-scale projects, address a series of questions that focus on well-defined cognitive tasks. Such projects ought involve preregistration, replication, and open materials, code, and data. For this enterprise to take off, it is important that incentives in the field be aligned with the goal to increase the reliability and validity of our research. There is reason to be optimistic that such an alignment will occur in the near future.