March 1991
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10 Reads
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5 Citations
Journal of Social Behavior and Personality
Basic research can contribute to society in 2 ways: by generating solutions to already existing problems (its a posteriori value) and by identifying potential problems that may be hidden or developing (its a priori value). The generally overlooked a priori value of basic research is illustrated by tracing how important developments in attribution theory and research point to a potential bias in the use of videotaped confessions as evidence in courts of law. The implications of a seemingly growing trend toward requiring an applied focus in psychological science for the long-term maintenance of the a priori value of basic research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)