Why an Entire Field of Psychology Is in Trouble

The video explores the concept of ego depletion, which suggests that self-control is a limited resource. Initially supported by Baumeister's experiments, the theory faced challenges as new studies questioned its validity. Replication efforts showed inconsistent results, leading to a broader discussion on research practices in psychology. The video highlights the need for more rigorous methods and open data sharing to ensure reliable scientific findings.

What was the main finding of Baumeister's initial study on ego depletion?

• Self-control is an unlimited resource.

• Resisting temptation depletes willpower, making subsequent tasks harder.

• Eating cookies increases self-control.

• Radishes are more tempting than cookies.

How did researchers at Florida State University link self-control to biological processes?

• By measuring brain activity during self-control tasks.

• By observing changes in blood glucose levels.

• By studying the effects of sleep deprivation.

• By analyzing heart rate variability.

What issue did the 2010 meta-analysis on ego depletion face?

• It included only unpublished studies.

• It used outdated statistical methods.

• It focused solely on animal studies.

• It was biased towards positive results.

What was a significant finding from the replication studies on ego depletion?

• Ego depletion was found to be a universal phenomenon.

• Ego depletion was only observed in specific tasks.

• Ego depletion was disproven in all studies.

• Ego depletion was confirmed in all studies.

What is a major concern in psychological research highlighted by the ego depletion debate?

• The over-reliance on animal models.

• The challenge of replicating study results.

• The difficulty in publishing positive results.

• The lack of funding for psychological studies.

What is one proposed solution to improve the reliability of psychological research?

• Publishing more negative results.

• Reducing the number of replication studies.

• Increasing the number of animal studies.

• Focusing solely on university students.

Why is it important to have larger sample sizes in psychological studies?

• To increase the likelihood of positive results.

• To reduce the cost of research.

• To improve the generalizability of findings.

• To ensure faster data collection.