The author defines scientific methodology as rational and empirical attributes that apply to the psychoanalytic situation. He next explains "the psychoanalytic situation" in some detail, both clinically and as a research method. Like all research methods, the psychoanalytic situation has its limitations. Bachrach distinguishes a "scientific attitude" from "scientific methods." Becoming obsessed with, or idealizing, "scientific methods" often makes impossible a "scientific attitude." He distinguishes psychoanalytic research from research about psychoanalysis. Findings from one type of research may not be useful to the other without first establishing a way to compare concepts and methods. However, this interface of research methods can be productive if one is careful to ask the right kinds of questions and not be overly reductionistic. A careful theoretical/methodological evaluation of each research paradigm is required so that one does not end up comparing apples with oranges.