Abstract
Questionable research practices (QRPs) have been identified as a driving force of the replication crisis in the field of psychological science. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and reasons for QRP use among psychology students in Canadian universities. Participants were psychology students attending Canadian universities recruited via online advertising and email invitations. Respondents were asked how often they and others engaged in seven QRPs, to estimate the proportion of psychology research impacted by each QRP and how acceptable they found each QRP. Data were collected through Likert-scale survey items and open-ended text responses between May 2020 and January 2021, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. 425 psychology students completed the survey (40% undergraduate, 59% graduate, 1% post-doctoral fellows). Overall, 64% of participants reported using at least one QRP, while 79% reported having observed others engaging in at least one QRP. The most frequently reported QRPs were p-hacking (46%), not submitting null results for publication (31%) and excluding outcome measures (30%). These QRPs were also the most frequently observed in others, estimated to be the most prevalent in the field, and rated as the most acceptable. Qualitative findings revealed that students are aware of external pressures that promote QRP use and offered several ideas for alternatives and solutions. The results of this study highlight the need to examine the pedagogical standards and cultural norms in academia that may promote or normalize QRPs in psychological science.

Moran, C., Richard, A., Wilson, K., Twomey, R., & Coroiu, A. (2021, July 23). “I know it’s bad but I have been pressured into it”: Questionable research practices among psychology students in Canada. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/kjby3