Ideas for future research studies often can be obtained from the discussion sections of research reports. Occasionally, the researchers provide explicit suggestions for new research studies. At other times, the suggestions for future research may be more subtle, often phrased in terms of selfcriticism or shortcomings of the research study being reported. For example, a study may admit that the data were restricted to children living in a Western society. It should be clear that the authors are inviting future research to examine a more diverse group. Using a full-text database (like PsycArticles), find a journal article that reports on an empirical research study (a study with participants, measurements, statistics, and so on). In the discussion section, find a suggestion for future research. (Remember that you may find a very clear statement about future research or a more subtle hint.)
a. Provide a complete citation for the article (authors, year, title, journal).
b. Provide a photocopy of the suggestion for future research (or simply quote the section).
c. Briefly describe how the future research study might be conducted (who would participate, what would be measured, and so on).