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Promises and Perils of Experimentation: The Mutual-Internal-Validity Problem
Hause Lin1, Kaitlyn M Werner1, Michael Inzlicht1,2
1Department of Psychology, University of Toronto.
Summary
Researchers must ensure experiments are externally valid when documenting phenomena or advising policymakers. Failing to do so can create theories detached from reality, but triangulation can help reconnect them.
Area of Science:
- Psychological science
- Experimental economics
Background:
- Experiments serve multiple research goals: testing theories, documenting phenomena, developing theories, and informing policy.
- Internal validity is crucial for theory testing, while external validity is vital for phenomena documentation, theory development, and policy advice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the problem of conflating experimental goals and validity concerns.
- To introduce the mutual-internal-validity problem and its implications for psychological science.
- To propose triangulation as a solution to enhance the validity of experiments and theories.
Main Methods:
- The study discusses the tension between internal and external validity in experimental research.
- It examines how experimental findings can lead to theories that become detached from real-world phenomena.
- It advocates for the use of triangulation to improve the validity of research.
Main Results:
- Conflating experimental goals can lead to theories that lack external validity, becoming "wedded" to laboratory conditions.
- The mutual-internal-validity problem can arise when theories developed from experiments influence future experimental designs.
- Triangulation, integrating insights from other disciplines and real-world data, can address these validity issues.
Conclusions:
- Psychological scientists must recognize the distinct validity requirements for different experimental goals.
- Awareness of the mutual-internal-validity problem is essential to prevent theories from losing touch with reality.
- Employing triangulation strategies can enhance both experimental and theoretical validity, ensuring broader applicability and relevance.
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