Psychologists must correct WEIRD data bias

The lack of diversity in psychological research is “alarming”, with 90 per cent of published research papers relying on data from studies of well-off, middle-class participants, a Brisbane academic says.

A study led by University of Queensland psychologist Mark Nielsen has called for researchers to develop a less “WEIRD-centric approach” when collecting data.

Nielsen said this approach was bad science and relied on “using research participants from a Western, educated, industrial, rich and democratic background”.