SCI - Research Design & Ethics in Psychology Lesson
Learning Targets:
- Identify and explain the criteria for selecting the most suitable research design for a study.
- Discuss the reasons behind the use of animals in psychological research and outline the ethical standards designed to protect the welfare of human and animal subjects.
Courtesy of the AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2024. (n.d.). Links to an external site.
Understanding Research Design in Psychology
In psychological research, scientists carefully select research design to ensure meaningful results are obtained. Before conducting a study, psychologists first develop testable questions related to human behavior and mental processes. Examples of suitable questions include exploring how beliefs in free will, personality traits related to aggression, and attitudes towards life after death impact individuals' thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Once the research question is established, psychologists choose the most appropriate research design from options such as Experimental, Correlational, Case Study, Naturalistic Observation, Twin Studies, Longitudinal, or Cross-Sectional studies. Factors considered include available resources (time and money), ethical considerations, and any potential limitations. For instance, it would be unethical for a researcher studying child development to randomly assign children to nurturing or harsh environments as an experiment.
After selecting the research design, psychologists determine how to measure the behavior or mental processes under investigation. They can use quantitative methods, where numerical data represent the degree of a variable (e.g., Likert scale for questionnaire responses), or qualitative methods, which rely on narrative data (e.g., structured interviews to understand aggression causes and consequences). Quantitative and qualitative approaches offer valuable insights into human behavior and are often used to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Researchers must be mindful of confounding variables, which are external factors that could influence study results. By carefully planning and conducting studies with diversity, equity, and inclusion in mind, psychologists aim to minimize biases and ensure representation of marginalized groups in research. This approach helps researchers have confidence in their findings and promotes the advancement of knowledge in psychology.
Meta-analysis is a statistical method used to combine and analyze the findings from multiple studies on a particular topic. By pooling together data from various studies, researchers can reach a more comprehensive and reliable conclusion than what individual studies may provide. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of trends, patterns, and overall outcomes across different research efforts, enhancing the credibility and strength of the conclusions drawn. Meta-analysis is crucial in synthesizing research findings and shaping future studies in various fields, from medicine to social sciences, providing valuable insights that can guide decision-making and policy development.
Research Method Comparison
| Research Method | Basic Purpose | How Conducted | What is Manipulated | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-experimental: Case Studies, Naturalistic, Observations, Surveys | To observe and document behavior | Use case studies, naturalistic observations or surveys | Nothing | Lack of control over variables; individual cases might not be representative |
| Non-Experimental: Correlational Studies | To identify natural relationships and predict how one variable affects another | Collect data on multiple variables without manipulation | Nothing | Cannot establish causation; potential for third-variable problems; unclear direction of relationships |
| Experimental | To investigate cause-and-effect relationships | Manipulate one or more independent variables with random assignment | The independent variable | Findings might not apply to real-world situations; ethical concerns; sometimes impractical |
| Quasi-experimental | To assess causal impacts when random assignment is not possible | Manipulate variable without random assignment | The independent variable | Reduced control over confounding variable; potential biases |
| Longitudinal Studies | To examine changes over an extended period | Follow the same participants and collect data at different points in time | Nothing | Can be time-consuming and costly; risk of participants dropping out, which can bias results |
| Cross-Sectional Studies | To compare different groups at a single time point | Collect data from different groups at one moment in time | Nothing | Cannot determine cause-and-effect relationships; potential influence of cohort differences |
Ethics in Psychological Research
Ethics are essential in psychological research to ensure the well-being of both human and animal subjects. The American Psychological Association (APA) has established strict ethical standards that psychologists must adhere to when conducting studies. Research involving animals must have a clear scientific purpose to increase knowledge or understanding of the species. Animals must be treated humanely and acquired legally. Psychologists may choose to work with animals due to their simplicity, ease of control, and shorter life spans, making them ideal for certain types of research.
In studies involving human participants, voluntary participation is crucial, and individuals should not be coerced into taking part. The purpose of the study must be communicated, and participants should not face significant physical or psychological risks. Personal information must be kept confidential, and participants should be debriefed after the study to clarify misconceptions. Ethical guidelines set forth by organizations like the APA emphasize obtaining informed consent, protecting participants from harm, maintaining confidentiality, and providing thorough debriefing to uphold the rights and well-being of research participants.
[CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION