There is nothing Weird about basic research
The critical role of convenience samples in psychological science
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 8716059 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jeffrey W Sherman (0000-0002-9020-9814, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 80 |
| Issue | 7 |
| Pages | 1073-1080 |
| Publication date | 2024-11-07 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | American Psychologist (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0003-066X • E-ISSN: 1935-990X |
| Publisher | American Psychological Association (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1037/amp0001443 |
| PMID | 39509224 |
| OpenAlex | W4404140880 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 8 |
Attention to issues of sample diversity and generalizability has increased dramatically in the past 15 years, as psychological scientists have confronted the limitations of relatively homogeneous samples. Though this reckoning was perhaps overdue and has undoubtedly shined a light on some poor research practices, recommendations surrounding sample diversity are sometimes applied to research that does not aim for generalizability across peoples. In this article, I seek to promote discussion about when and why sample diversity and generalizability matter. In doing so, I address problems with language surrounding generalizability, the broader question of generalizability beyond samples, challenges for determining sufficient generalizability, and the inherent question of moderation in psychological science, given the reality of limited time and resources. I then discuss the important roles that basic research plays in understanding group differences, producing generalizable knowledge, and developing applied interventions. Finally, I address issues of equity surrounding sample diversity, emphasizing the distinction between WEIRD samples and convenience samples and the importance of convenience samples for globalizing psychological science. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)
Epistemology · Nothing · Psychological research · Psychological science · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Cognitive and psychological constructs research · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology · Philosophy · Social Psychology
Consumer acceptance of packaging made from post-consumer recycled polyolefin plastics (PCR-PO) in the food and cosmetics sector
A Vignette-Based Measure of Mental Health Literacy (PDR-V)
‘I must have been confused.’ Thinking about thinking in refugee status decision-making
Consensus Messaging Shifts Beliefs About Climate Change in a Field Experiment
Fear of failure, procrastination, and academic performance in higher education
Beliefs About the World’s Goodness, Extraversion, and the Experience of Authenticity
Psychological resources and mental health
Principles of nostalgia
| Citations per year | 8 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Highly cited | No |