stimulus sampling

a procedure for increasing the generalizability of research results by using multiple stimuli within a category as representative of an experimental condition, as opposed to selecting a single stimulus whose unique characteristics may distort results. For example, a study investigating the effects of gender on monetary generosity would demonstrate stimulus sampling if it employed many males and females to elicit donations from participants instead of using a single male and a single female.

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Psychology term of the day

February 17th 2025

speculation

1. conjectural thinking that is not necessarily supported by scientifically determined evidence.

2. a loosely supported theory or explanation. —speculative adj.