Hi
On Thu, 17 Jun 2004, James Guinee wrote:
I heard the APA wants to retire the term "subjects"
Is this a good move, or are they just being silly?
They are being silly. Subjects is listed in at least one dictionary I found on-line as meaning humans or animals in scientific experiments, and there is certainly no doubt about that meaning in psychology. The fact that it also means national subjects of some ruler is incidental, just as is the fact that it can mean a school subject (and just as we should not ban use of the word "ruler" because it can mean something to measure with).
Words acquire their meaning through their use.
If one simply substitutes the word 'participant' for the word 'subject' it will soon acquire the same meaning.
When sentences have participants and objects I'll change my language (deliberate ambiguity).
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* PAUL K. BRANDON [EMAIL PROTECTED] *
* Psychology Dept Minnesota State University *
* 23 Armstrong Hall, Mankato, MN 56001 ph 507-389-6217 *
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