What does mundane realism refer to in a research setting?

Mundane realism refers to the extent to which the physical characteristics of a research study reflect everyday, real-life environments and experiences. This concept emphasizes the importance of creating a setting in an experiment that closely resembles the context in which the phenomena being studied would naturally occur. When researchers achieve high mundane realism, they increase the likelihood that the behaviors and responses observed in the study will be similar to those in real-world situations, thereby enhancing the external validity of the findings.

The focus is specifically on the physical and external aspects of the research environment, such as the setting, materials, and overall atmosphere, which should closely mimic those familiar to the participants' everyday lives. This helps participants feel more comfortable and engaged, often leading to more authentic reactions that can better inform researchers about real-world behaviors and outcomes.