Psychology of Scientist: XXX. Credibility of Psychologists: An Empirical Study

Abstract

In order to evaluate the effects of bias among psychologists, two virtually identical abstracts of presumably empirical research in the area of astrology were prepared, one with positive findings and the other with negative findings. The data collected by mail from a random selection of professional psychologists indicated that those Ss receiving the negative abstract rated the study as better designed, more valid, and as having more adequate conclusions than those receiving the positive abstract. The many emotionally charged spontaneous comments included with the responses suggests that strong affective reactions are involved, as well as prejudgments.