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Psychoanalysis is unique in that it comprises two kinds of theory, one clinical and one metapsychological. Klein states that clinical concepts, although closer to clinical observation and thus more capable of modifications imposed by data, are just as abstract and as theoretical as metapsychology. For Freud, phenomena could be considered explained ultimately only in physical-chemical terms. He required a 'how-does-it-work' theory. Thus the economic point of view became Freud's substitute for the neurophysiological model of the Project. It is around this metapsychology with its assumption of psychic energy that dissatisfactions with psychoanalytic theory usually center. Klein feels that metapsychology in its attempt to reduce clinical theory to a physical science may be both irrelevant and damaging to clinical theory. He emphasizes the importance for psychoanalytic concepts of linking observational data more closely to clinical theory. Since psychoanalysis focuses on the meanings and syntheses arising out of crises and conflicts in an individual's life and thus is in the class of theories seeking reasons rather than causes for behavior—the 'why' rather than the 'how'—, he feels it is unfortunate that some analysts try to link their observations to metapsychological (biological) theory. He pleads for better research training and investigative discipline in practicing analysts and decries the idea that doing therapy is research. Several examples of methodological investigations serving to reduce the gap between theory and evidence are cited.
In an introduction to this paper, Merton Gill raises the cogent question of whether analysts should reject Klein's argument that metapsychology is irrelevant to understanding clinical psychoanalysis because Klein was not a practicing analyst; or accept his argument on the assumption that his not being an analyst made him better able to see how sharply different the theories are.