Preexisting Beliefs about Hypotheses Affect Psychological Scientists' and Undergraduates’ Evaluations of Hypothetical Research Findings

Explored undergraduates’ and psychological scientists’ evaluations of hypothetical study results varying in design and strength. Preexisting beliefs regarding hypotheses influenced evaluations, particularly for psychological scientists. All participants discerned weak correlational results; only graduate students and faculty discerned weak experimental results. Implications for disseminating psychological science are discussed.