2022/12/23 by Samuel H. Forbes, Prerna Aneja, Olivia Guest · 1 voice · 1 citation
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Child and Animal Learning Development #Cultural Differences and Values #Social and Intergroup Psychology
paper · pdf · doi:10.1002/icd.2393
openalex publication_date 2022/12/23 · openalex created_date 2023/01/04 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/15
Abstract Over the past decade, the field of psychology has come under increasing fire for the replicability of purported findings, for the transparency of the methods used, and for the generalisability of the claims. In general, these criticisms have focused on the methodological and statistical aspects of published work. Herein, we highlight the importance of diversity of both our participant samples in empirical studies and of our researchers within developmental psychology as a barrier to generalisability. Far beyond being a purely methodological question, for example, of heterogenous sampling, ignoring the importance of context and environment in development implies risking failing to comprehend pivotal facets of development. Importantly, we discuss the harms done to our science's theoretical contributions as a direct result of defining and maintaining misplaced “norms” or “normative” developmental scenarios. Finally, we outline how even small steps by individuals can be impactful, such as ceasing to request unsubstantiated comparisons to the Western “norm” in peer review. Highlights Developmental Psychology seeks to understand how humans develop. To do this, we also need to understand the dynamic cultural context of participants and of the field. A failure to do this sets up implied norms, which is harmful to the field and to our understanding of human development. We examine these norms and make recommendations to avoid this phenomenon.