Avoiding Questionable Research Practices in Applied Psychology

This book provides insights into the replication crisis and QRPs in psychology, offering strategies to enhance research integrity and reliability.

This authoritative volume presents a thorough examination of the replication crisis and the prevalence of questionable research practices (QRPs) in psychology. The book delves into the significant impact these practices have on the reliability of research findings, emphasizing the need for transparency and rigor in psychological studies. By offering a comprehensive overview of the issues at hand, Avoiding Questionable Research Practices in Applied Psychology aims to equip researchers with the knowledge necessary to combat these challenges effectively.

The replication crisis has highlighted various flaws in conventional research methodologies, allowing for flexibility in data analysis that can lead to the unintentional or intentional use of QRPs. This volume discusses both overt practices, such as data fabrication, and subtler forms like p-hacking and HARKING (hypothesizing after results are known). Contributors provide insights into the potential strategies for identifying and mitigating the negative effects of these practices, advocating for open data practices, preregistration of hypotheses, and collaborative efforts among researchers with differing viewpoints.

Among the topics explored in Avoiding Questionable Research Practices in Applied Psychology are the historical context of statistical controversies, the importance of intellectual humility in research design, and the distinction between confirmatory and exploratory analyses. This book serves as a valuable resource for students, educators, and researchers alike, fostering a deeper understanding of how QRPs undermine the integrity of psychological research and the social sciences.