Unit 2 Psych Exam Review

Research Methods and Ethics

open questions

no definitive yes/no response

closed questions

result in a definitive yes or no response

independent variable

the variable whose effect is being studied  

dependent variable

what is being measured and may change in response to manipulation of the independent variable

quantitative research

breadth over depth, focused on gathering and evaluating statistical results

qualitative research

to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations, open-ended questions that produce detailed responses and comparisons

social science inquiry

1. developing a research question
2. exploring alternate perspectives
3. forming a hypothesis
4. data collection
5. assessing the hypothesis and analyzing data
6. arriving at a conclusion
7. evaluation of research

obtain informed consent

Individuals not only give their consent to participate in the study but are well aware of what the research is for and what their involvement will entail or know what they are getting into

minimize the risk of harm

as much and where possible, the research study should not harm participants  

where there is the possibility for harm (mental and/or physical), there must be strong justification, and the following guidelines must be followed:

informed consent surrounding study risks

additional planning to minimize degree of harm as much as possible 

detailed debriefing

ensure anonymity and confidentiality

Anonymity; protecting the identity of the participant.  

Confidentiality; the results of the study are shared only to those directly involved and/or with a vested interest.

avoid deceptive practices

the researcher should avoid deceiving the participant throughout all parts of the study, violating this immediately violates #1

dont mislead the participant on the purpose of study

dont modify the study in an unexpected way once study is underway

provide the right to withdraw

participants should be reminded before and during the study of their right to withdraw at any time 

participants should be reminded that their participation is voluntary

zimbardo/stanford prison experiment

prison life was recreated in the basement of stanford university

24 men, paid $15 a day

divided men into guards and prisoners

was planned to run for two weeks but lasted six days

fair guards, good guards, hostile guards

power dynamics