What implications do the results of an experiment

have for subjects that were not observed in the experiment?

If the subjects used are representative of the unobserved subjects, the results of the experiment could be generalized to them.

This paper can answer (partly) your question: Exadaktylos et al. (2013) "Experimental subjects are not different" Scientific Reports 3, 1213.

The results of an experiment provide insights and conclusions about the specific subjects or variables that were observed and tested. However, when it comes to subjects that were not observed in the experiment, the implications may be less direct. The information gathered from the experiment can still have some implications for these unobserved subjects, but interpreting and applying those implications requires careful consideration.

To understand the implications for subjects not observed in the experiment, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Analyze the experimental design: Start by understanding the design of the experiment, including the selection criteria for the observed subjects, and any control groups or comparison groups used. This will help you identify any potential biases or limitations that might affect the generalizability of the findings to unobserved subjects.

2. Consider the population: Think about the broader population to which the unobserved subjects belong. Are there any underlying similarities or differences between the observed and unobserved subjects? Understanding the characteristics of the unobserved subjects can help evaluate the implications from the observed ones.

3. Look for existing research: Search for relevant studies or research that have explored similar concepts or phenomena. If there are previous studies that include observations of similar subjects, their findings might provide additional insights into the implications for the unobserved subjects.

4. Apply caution: While it may be tempting to directly apply the experiment's results to unobserved subjects, it is important to recognize the limitations and potential biases. Avoid making broad generalizations without additional evidence, and acknowledge the uncertainties involved.

In summary, the implications of experiment results for unobserved subjects require careful analysis of the experimental design, understanding the population, reviewing existing research, and exercising caution in generalizing the findings.