The historiography of psychology: classical history, critical history and the reception of social studies of science.

In this work, the reception and influence of the social studies of science in the historiography of psychology are analyzed. The positivist, naturalist and personalist view of the classical history of mid-twentieth century is first described. The 'new history of psychology' that emerged in North America around 1970 is epistemologically and methodologically characterized. From surveying researches and developments in the historiographical field, the reception of explanatory sociological theories and methodologies in specific sub-fields of the historiography of psychology is then characterized. Three thematic areas in which the social studies of science had repercussions in the historiography of psychology are then described: The study of scientists' rules and the scientific ethos, the issue of relativism, and the internalism-externalism debate. It is concluded that critical historiography of psychology has actively incorporated these studies, sometimes through discussions, and with fruitful consequences for the historiographical field.