The extra credit Psychology pool

By now, most of you have probably filled out at least one survey for extra credits. If not, I would highly recommend doing so. For example, hypothetically speaking, you have received a 78 in a psychology course. By filling out a survey you could be potentially getting an 80. That is an entire increase from a B+ to an A- This has been a miracle in itself for me as I have been filling out surveys for extra credits religiously over the past three years.

It may be helping my GPA, but do these surveys really contribute towards psychological research? There are chances that these surveys do help, however, every survey I have taken part in really is of no help towards researchers. Online surveys are probably the easiest form of psychological research. They are quick, easy and not time consuming. I noticed recently that the surveys I have been partaking in have been similar in nature. Who knows, I may also be taking the exact same survey without even realizing it. If someone is filling out the same survey for three consecutive years, how can the results be valid?

Another rather important default to these surveys is the sample of people who fill out these forms. Majority of the students will be Psychology majors. However, these individuals are conscientious and concerned about their grades more than others. Henceforth, these students will consume the survey samples, making the results unrepresentative. I would consider the above clauses as severe limitations to the study of surveys.