PSYC 217 01d four principles of science

TCPS Ethics Training

  • Repetition of TCPS Ethics Training

    • Question posed: Do we need to redo training if already completed for a research lab or another class?

    • Answer: No, if training is already completed, there is no need to retake it.

    • Action:

    • Obtain a certificate from TCPS.

    • Log back in and submit the certificate to Canvas.

    • Important Note:

    • The exam will focus on class discussions and the ethics textbook, not exclusively on TCPS content.

Organization of Science as a Collective Endeavor

  • Goal of Science:

    • The objective is not to hoard knowledge but to collaboratively build and share knowledge on topics of study.

  • Importance of Principles:

    • Adhering to principles ensures observations are shared transparently and encourages mutual contribution in research.

Four Principles of Science

  • Application:

    • Students will consider how each principle applies to their previously brainstormed project.

Principle 1: Universalism

  • Definition:

    • Universalism refers to an agreement on what constitutes acceptable methods and data in scientific research.

    • This principle is closely related to paradigms in human psychology research.

  • Context of Discussion:

    • Detailed discussions will occur towards the end of the course, especially regarding the replication crisis, which highlights issues in previous research methodologies.

  • Historical Example:

    • Historically, researchers might have disqualified participants to achieve stronger results.

    • This practice led to unreliable results in psychological research.

  • Current Standards:

    • Exclusion Criteria:

    • Researchers must specify exclusion criteria prior to study execution to prevent manipulation of results.

    • Transparency is critical; data should be shared illustrating both included and excluded participants.

Principle 2: Communality

  • Definition:

    • Communality means all researchers are expected to share their research methods, stimuli, and data, except identifiable personal data to uphold ethics.

  • Illustration with Example:

    • Reference to a dated character, Doctor Evil, highlights the hypocrisy in the practice of sharing.

    • Example of Violation:

    • Trademarked research scales or instruments that researchers must pay to use, limiting communal access.

    • Pharmaceutical companies often retain formula secrecy to protect profits, which compromises the principle of communality.

  • Challenges:

    • Researchers face lack of compensation for time spent uploading research materials.

    • A common dilemma exists: posting data might not benefit career advancement, leading researchers to prioritize publishing papers instead.

Principle 3: Disinterestedness

  • Definition:

    • Disinterestedness implies that researchers must remain neutral and not favor outcomes or results.

  • Illustration with Personal Example:

    • The example of a personal study involving the speaker’s child illustrates the need for impartiality in research.

    • Avoiding preferential treatment of data ensures scientific integrity.

  • General Principle:

    • Scientific inquiry should not be tied to personal identity or career aspirations to validate a specific theory, as all theories are subject to correction.

Principle 4: Skepticism

  • Definition:

    • Skepticism in science refers to organized criticism, ensuring rigorous examination of findings by experts.

  • Research Process:

    • The typical journey for a grad student in research involves:

    • Developing a research idea (6 months to 1 year).

    • Collecting data (6 months to 1 year).

    • Writing the research paper (6 months).

    • Peer review initiation comes at the conclusion of this process.

  • Role of Peer Review:

    • Upon submission, authors suggest reviewers, typically those who may criticize the work, to gain valuable feedback.

    • Engaging critical reviewers enhances the research's credibility.

  • Personal Reflection on Process:

    • The speaker admits the emotional challenge of receiving critiques and often prepares with a drink beforehand due to the personal stakes involved.

    • The peer review process, while arduous, pushes towards closer approximation of truth in research findings.

  • Historical Context:

    • There has been a historical trend of lack of rigorous skepticism, resulting in longstanding false assumptions in fields of psychology, necessitating independent efforts to correct these through new research.

Take-Home Activity

  • Reflective Task for Students:

    • Students are encouraged to consider how their own project ideas relate to each of the four principles of science.

    • Discuss potential challenges they may face in applying these principles to their projects.

    • Reiterate the principles discussed: universalism, communality, disinterestedness, and skepticism.

Conclusion

  • Endnote:

    • Announcement of a short video topic for review in the next class without detailed coverage in the current session.

  • Invitation for Questions:

    • Encouragement for students to approach the speaker with any queries or concerns.

    • A positive outlook for an enjoyable academic term ahead.