This study examined the degree to which research published in 1973 avoided the methdological and ethical problems found by Carlson in 1968. Findings are reported on 304 individual studies published in the 1973 volumes of Journal of Personality and Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Contrary to expectation, research published in 1973 as compared with that from 1968 (a) included less information on sex differences, (b) focused as heavily on undergraduate samples, (c) used fewer interactionist designs, (d) employed more one-shot sessions, and (e) involved as much deception. The one area of improvement is that increases in the incidence of debriefing were observed. Differences in findings between the two journals are delineated, and suggestions for improving research procedures are outlined.
