ABSTRACT
At present, psychological research intensely reflects and possibly reconsiders its purposes and practices. Doing so, protagonists of psychology respond to the diagnosis of various issues, including limitations regarding the practical value of research insights or a lack of societal credibility. These challenges explicate fundamental aspirations of what (social) science should contribute. This includes not only valid observations and trustworthy analysis, but also knowledge of practical use, supporting society to address pressing problems. To support reflection, we introduce real-world laboratories (RwLs) as a novel, transdisciplinary research approach gaining traction in sustainability transformation research. RwLs draw on research in collaboration with societal actors, and use real-world experimentation to understand and address sustainability problems. We provide a conceptual overview of the approach, and a tangible case example, before interlinking RwLs and psychological research. Our aim is not to present RwLs as a possible solution to the challenges of psychological research—RwLs as a research approach are met with multiple challenges themselves. Rather, we invite for mutual learning using salient, core issues in psychology as a focal point of reflective discussion. Therefore, we draw on RwL scholarship as an alternative perspective on understanding and doing research, and provide eight considerations for reflection. These are to (1) orient the production of the knowledge toward societal demands; (2) widen what is considered relevant knowledge in support of society; (3) reframe the knowledge production process as cyclical, iterative and co-productive; (4) diversify the methodological tool box of psychological and behavioral science; (5) consider different research quality criteria; (6) explore the capacity of RwLs to develop thick empirical data via a cumulative, small step approach to empirics; (7) enhance reflexivity and exploring additional roles of researchers; and (8) understand research in RwLs as a rich environment for psychological learning. With psychology holding ample expertise on understanding individual and collective aspects of sustainability transformations—a prevalent topic of RwL work—enhanced future collaboration is highly promising.