What does "WEIRD" samples stand for in research?

The term "WEIRD" in research refers to samples that are Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic. This acronym highlights the common demographic characteristics of many participants in psychological and social science studies, particularly those conducted in Western countries. Research often relies on these populations, which may not represent the diversity of human experiences and behaviors globally.

Using WEIRD samples can lead to results that may not be generalizable across different cultures or populations, as findings based on these groups might overlook important variations in behavior and cognition that exist among individuals from non-WEIRD backgrounds. The recognition of this bias has prompted discussions around the need for greater inclusivity and diversity in psychological research to better understand human behavior across different cultures. This focus on the limitations of WEIRD samples is vital for advancing the field and improving the applicability of research findings worldwide.

The other options do not accurately capture the standardized usage of the term in the research literature, which specifically addresses the demographic composition of study participants in a global context.