Changes in experimental subject selection and reporting in psychological research (1917-1997)
Date
1999
Authors
Chan, Grace Sau-Yan
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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to identify the trends and changes, detect bias and inadequacy in subject selection and reporting over the last 80 to 90 years in the history of psychology. Using the archival research method and the content analysis technique, this study examines demographic information of participants, sample selection procedures, and reporting practices in 384 sampled research articles published in three mainstream psychological journals. Using 13 predetermined categories based on the APA suggested content of subject subsection, subject information was systematically coded in 20-year intervals (1917, 1937, 1957, 1977, and 1997). Findings indicated an overall inadequacy in reporting of subject information, with gradual improvement over the years. Other findings revealed the lack of random sampling in research, and a bias toward the use of college and university students, as well as white, middle class children.