"But what many psychologists have done, probably because they did well on a test themselves and everyone wants high self esteem, is to create this little box and then do their research inside it"

Robert Sternberg's quote seriously examines the tendency of psychologists to run within certain self-imposed limits or "boxes" when performing research study. His commentary suggests a form of intellectual complacency or a desire to replicate personal success within the psychological neighborhood. This, in his view, might stem from scientists' own favorable experiences with standardized tests, which are typically measures of specific kinds of intelligence or ability. The ramification here is that psychologists, having personally mastered these areas, might be inclined to overvalue the constructs that these tests step, therefore perpetuating a narrow scope of research.

Sternberg appears to argue that this propensity to "create this little box" is driven by a mix of individual recognition and the wider social disposition towards maintaining high self-esteem. Essentially, if one succeeds on standardized evaluations, there may be an unconscious bias to strengthen the significance of such procedures in professional practice. This support produces restrictions within which research study is carried out, possibly suppressing ingenious or alternative approaches to understanding the human mind.

The quote further suggests that such restrictions can lead to a myopic view, where the complexity of human intelligence and behavior is decreased to what can be quickly determined by tests. Sternberg appears to caution against this narrow point of view in mental research, urging for a more expansive view that transcends conventional metrics.

Eventually, the quote serves as a review of how personal predispositions can shape research study agendas and the viewed value of standardized tests in examining human capacity. Sternberg's message advocates for broader investigative methods that move beyond standard boundaries, cultivating a more inclusive understanding of intelligence and behavior. By doing so, the field of psychology can better accommodate the diverse and multifaceted nature of human experience.