Acronym Absurdity Constrains Psychological Science

Moin Syed

doi:10.15626/MP.2024.4140

Authors

Moin Syed University of Minnesota

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15626/MP.2024.4140

Keywords:

acronyms, abbreviations, initialisms, absurdity, meta-science

Abstract

Everyone hates acronyms. This is known. This essay focuses on a somewhat different issue, called acronym absurdity, which is how acronyms can have the power to constrain discovery and advancement, thereby shaping science in undesirable ways. It is called acronym absurdity because the use of acronyms can sometimes lead to rather strange outcomes that any reasonable, mildly detached observer can only deem absurd. This essay focuses on two broad classes of the problem: how catchy acronyms lead to bizarre and limiting choices, and how acronyms can lead to modifications that betray their original intention. It is plainly obvious that the general practice around acronyms is absurd and should largely be abandoned.

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