Your research is public engagement: A case for more intentional science communication in research with human subjects.
Abstract
This article argues that experimental psychologists who conduct research with human subjects are in fact doing public engagement about the field with their participants whether they are aware of it or not. Researchers are missing opportunities to connect with public audiences by not being aware of and intentional about what their experiments communicate. Borrowing from science communication, the article discusses objectives that can serve as a guide in designing both experiments and debriefings with participant engagement in mind. Articulated as the research as engagement model, the article suggests that our research and broader impact goals can be well-served if we view each study participant not only as a data point but as an opportunity for public engagement. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
Fields of Study & Subjects
Climate Change Communication and Perception
Mental Health via Writing
Media Influence and Health
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Experimental Psychology General
- Publisher
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Volume
- 155
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 261–275
- Publication date
- 1 February 2026
- Language
- EN