Synergy Between the Credibility Revolution and Human Development in Africa

Abstract

Psychology research in North America and Europe faces a credibility crisis, with speculations of a global-scale crisis has spurred the development of a broad array of open science practices to improve different aspects of the research process. Alongside this development, a broad array of stakeholders have noted that African science is at its own crossroads, as investments in this sector can facilitate human development on the continent. Here we argue that these two movements can facilitate each other: psychology in North America and Europe can benefit from stronger psychology research communities on the African continent, while African scientists can benefit from credible evidence generated through open, freely-available open science practices and tools. However, this synergy will only materialize if a wide array of stakeholders invest in African science through providing resources, training, and specially adapted research tools while simultaneously avoiding ethical pitfalls such as corruption and research colonialism. Synergizing these efforts enables psychology in Africa to benefit from credible and accessible research, and African psychology can advance the credibility of psychology research worldwide.