Sherman Jeffrey W
Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis.
Am Psychol. 2024 Nov 7. doi: 10.1037/amp0001443.
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).
在过去15年里，随着心理科学家们面对相对同质化样本的局限性，对样本多样性和可推广性问题的关注急剧增加。尽管这种反思可能姗姗来迟，并且无疑揭示了一些糟糕的研究做法，但围绕样本多样性的建议有时会应用于并非旨在对所有人具有可推广性的研究。在本文中，我试图推动关于样本多样性和可推广性何时以及为何重要的讨论。在此过程中，我将探讨围绕可推广性的语言问题、样本之外更广泛的可推广性问题、确定充分可推广性的挑战，以及鉴于时间和资源有限的现实，心理科学中适度性的内在问题。然后，我将讨论基础研究在理解群体差异、产生可推广知识以及开发应用干预措施方面所起的重要作用。最后，我将探讨围绕样本多样性的公平问题，强调怪异样本与便利样本之间的区别以及便利样本对心理科学全球化的重要性。（PsycInfo数据库记录 (c) 2025美国心理学会，保留所有权利）
