No single study will provide a definitive answer about behavior or mental processes. Research studies always have limitations and present possibilities for future research. These questions will help you to evaluate the next step for a research project:

• Does the researcher discuss the external validity of the findings-that is, the extent to which the findings may apply only to particular people, settings, or conditions?
• Has the researcher replicated the findings or report that others have replicated the findings?
• Does the researcher describe the limitations of the research?
• Does the researcher suggest possibilities for future research?