Title: Becoming an Informed Consumer of Psychology
Headings: How to Become an Informed Consumer of Psychology Research
How to Become an Informed Consumer of Psychology Research
Some tips for making sense of psychology research in the news
1. Consider the Source
2. Be Skeptical of Sensational or Shocking Claims
3. Evaluate the Research Methods
4. Remember That Anecdotes Do Not Equal Data
5. Consider Who Funded the Research
6. Realize That Correlation Does Not Equal Causation
A Word From Verywell

Content: 3. Evaluate the Research Methods
In order to be a wise consumer of psychology, it is important to understand some of the basics of psychology research. Elements such as operational definitions, random sampling, and research design are important for understanding the final results of a study. For example, a particular study may only look at specific individuals within a population or it may consider only a narrow definition of a particular topic. Both of these factors can play a role in what the findings mean to the general population and how the results can be applied to understanding psychological phenomena. 4. Remember That Anecdotes Do Not Equal Data
Be wary of stories or reports that rely solely on anecdotal stories to back up their claims. Just because a small group of individuals has arrived at a similar conclusion does not mean that the population at large shares this view. Scientific research utilizes random sampling and other research methods to help ensure that the results of a study can be generalized to the rest of the population. Any report that relies on a “This is true for me, so it must be true for everyone else” justification should be viewed with skepticism.