Transforming psychological research practices: guidelines for designing and conducting inclusive research

Purpose Psychological research has historically been limited in terms of inclusivity and, as a result, so has the diversity of participant groups and research topics. Whereas recommendations for inclusive research practices in psychology exist, they are limited and typically focus on one specific aspect of inclusivity (e.g. gender, race/ethnicity) rather than inclusivity more broadly. To address this gap, a working group from the Centre for Appearance Research engaged in a reflexive process to develop guidelines to enhance inclusivity in our own work and our discipline more generally. In this paper, we present these guidelines. Design/methodology/approach The initial guidelines were developed through a review of relevant literature, combined with an iterative feedback process. The guidelines were then refined and updated in 2024 to ensure they remain relevant and comprehensive. Findings This paper presents the finalised guidelines, which provide practical recommendations to enhance inclusivity at each stage of the research process. We also discuss three considerations critical to inclusive research that are relevant throughout the whole research process including: (1) Reflexivity and Positionality; (2) Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement; and (3) Conducting Research with Impact. Originality/value This paper contributes novel guidance for increasing inclusivity in psychological and social science research, offering a structured approach with actionable recommendations to foster diversity and meaningful impact.