classic studies

what do some studies become ‘classic’?

1. big questions

   • they tackle fundamental questions about human behaviour

   • often driven by:

     • major historical/social events

     • societal value changes

     • paradigm shifts in psychology

2. demanding methods

   • methodologically challenging for both:

     • participants

     • researchers

   • quote from Paul Rozin:

     • ‘the great studies capture a truth… it is the problem selection, not elegance, that determines greatness’

3. challenging findings

   • results are often counter-intuitive

   • they can challenge prevailing views- think of scientific revolutions

4. big impact

   • attention grabbing

   • generative: inspires future research

   • thought-provoking for scientists and the public

   • prompts reflection on:

     • ourselves

     • human nature

     • our relation to others

classic vs modern studies

modern criteria of researcher success include:

• citations

• methodological complexity

• replications

• large sample sizes

• speed and efficiency

• cost effectiveness

• ethical soundness

• measurable impact

positives and negatives of classic studies

positives

• innovative

• dramatic/visually appealing

• engaging and accessible

negatives

• not always rigorous

• ethical issues

• sample sizes/low power

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