Science Inquiry in Psychology

Syllabus Breakdown

• Ethical Guidelines and Practices for Psychological Research

  • The role of ethics in psychological research

  • Importance of ethics committee approval

  • Guidelines applicable to human participants

    • Protection from Harm: Safeguarding participants' physical and psychological well-being during research.

    • Informed Consent: Obtaining written consent from participants (legal guardians for minors).

    • Withdrawal Rights: Participants can end their involvement without penalty.

    • Deception: Used cautiously and only if needed to prevent biasing results.

    • Confidentiality and Privacy: Participants' data must be securely stored and only shared with consent.

    • Voluntary Participation: No coercion; participation must be a choice.

    • Debriefing: Provide participants with a full understanding of the study post-participation.

  • Use of Animals in Research

    • Adhere to the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement.

The Role of the Ethics Committee

• Over 200 Human Research Ethics Committees in Australia

• Review and approve research proposals involving human participants for ethical compliance.

• Monitor ongoing research for adherence to ethical guidelines and participant welfare.

Ethical Guidelines for Human Participants

• Protection from Harm: Researchers must minimize risks.

  • Ensure psychological stability post-study through debriefing.

• Informed Consent: Secure signed consent after informing participants of study purpose, risks, requirements, and withdrawal options.

• Confidentiality: Collect, store, and dispose of participant's information securely.

• Privacy: Only collect essential information relevant to the study.

• Voluntary Participation: No undue influence or coercion in participant recruitment.

• Deception: Necessary for certain studies but should be justified; participants debriefed afterward.

• Debriefing: Provide clarity on study purpose and address any participant misconceptions post-study.

Use of Animals in Research

• Must follow established ethical codes throughout research processes.

• 3Rs Principle:

  • Replacement: Consider alternatives to using animals.

  • Reduction: Use fewer animals without sacrificing data quality.

  • Refinement: Improve techniques to minimize animal distress.

Formulating Research

• Identify Aims: Define purpose succinctly.

• Develop Research Questions: Frame questions based on aims, indicating variables.

• Identify Variables:

  • Independent Variable (IV): The manipulated variable.

  • Dependent Variable (DV): The measured outcome.

  • Controlled Variables: Stable elements across the experiment.

  • Extraneous Variables: Potential influences on the DV that must be identified and controlled.

Example Research Study: Hemp Seed Oil and Sleepiness

• Study conducted to evaluate the impact of hemp seed oil on sleepiness in students.

• Method included a control (placebo) and an experimental group using hemp seed oil.

Types of Research Designs

• Experimental: Manipulation of IV with control groups allows for causal relationships.

  • Strengths: Control over variables and identification of cause-effect; use of control groups.

  • Limitations: Potential lack of realism and risk of human error.

• Non-experimental: No manipulation; includes observational studies and case studies.

  • Strengths: Ethical flexibility; reflect natural behaviors.

  • Limitations: Cannot establish cause-effect relationships directly.

Qualitative vs Quantitative Data

• Qualitative Data: Descriptive, non-numerical data allowing for in-depth insights.

• Quantitative Data: Numerical data allowing statistical analysis, determining relationships and trends.

Data Collection Methods

• Qualitative: Interviews (structured, semi-structured, open-ended); focus group discussions.

• Quantitative: Objective measures (physiological), checklists, rating scales.

Processing and Analyzing Data

• Gain insights through data displays: graphs (line, bar, histogram), tables.

• Calculate measures of central tendency: mean and median provide analysis of data sets.

Validity and Reliability

• Validity: True measure of what is intended to assess; improves research quality.

• Reliability: Consistency across trials; critical for credibility and repeatability of research findings.

Drawing Conclusions and Evaluation

• Craft evidence-based conclusions supported by robust evidence and linked to research questions.

• Evaluate research for validity, reliability, and generalizability; improving research quality and addressing ethical implications.

Sampling Methods in Psychology

1. Random Sampling: Every member has an equal chance of being selected, reducing bias.

   • Strengths: Reduces selection bias, generalizable results.

   • Limitations: Time-consuming and impractical for large populations.

2. Stratified Sampling: Population divided into sub-groups; random samples are drawn from each.

   • Strengths: Ensures representation, improves precision.

   • Limitations: Requires detailed population information.

3. Systematic Sampling: Selecting every nth individual from a list.

   • Strengths: Simple and quick.

   • Limitations: Risk of bias if the list has a pattern.

4. Cluster Sampling: Dividing the population into clusters and randomly selecting whole clusters.

   • Strengths: Cost-effective for large populations.

   • Limitations: Clusters may not be representative.

5. Convenience Sampling: Selecting easily accessible individuals.

   • Strengths: Quick and inexpensive.

   • Limitations: High risk of bias.

6. Purposive Sampling: Selecting based on specific criteria.

   • Strengths: Ensures inclusion of specialized populations.

   • Limitations: Limited generalizability.