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Generalizability challenges in applied psychological and organizational research and practice

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 February 2022

Brenton M. Wiernik Open the ORCID record for Brenton M. Wiernik [Opens in a new window] ,
Mukhunth Raghavan Open the ORCID record for Mukhunth Raghavan [Opens in a new window] ,
Tyler Allan Open the ORCID record for Tyler Allan [Opens in a new window]  and
Alex J. Denison Open the ORCID record for Alex J. Denison [Opens in a new window]
Brenton M. Wiernik
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA wiernik@usf.edu, mukhunth@usf.edu, tylera1@usf.edu, adenison@usf.edu
Mukhunth Raghavan
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA wiernik@usf.edu, mukhunth@usf.edu, tylera1@usf.edu, adenison@usf.edu
Tyler Allan
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA wiernik@usf.edu, mukhunth@usf.edu, tylera1@usf.edu, adenison@usf.edu
Alex J. Denison
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA wiernik@usf.edu, mukhunth@usf.edu, tylera1@usf.edu, adenison@usf.edu
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Abstract

Yarkoni highlights patterns of overgeneralization in psychology research. In this comment, we note that such challenges also pertain to applied psychological and organizational research and practice. We use two examples – cross-cultural generalizability and implicit bias training – to illustrate common practices of overgeneralization from narrow research samples to broader operational populations. We conclude with recommendations for research and practice.

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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 45 , 2022 , e38
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press

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