Psychology Chapter 2 02/

Exam Overview

• Possible postponement of the first exam by one day.

• Current focus on completing the chapter on research methods.

• Syllabus outlines time for chapters; might need updates based on class progress.

Chapter Structure

• The chapter has three main parts:

  • Part 1: Research Fundamentals

    • Key components: Who, what, when, where, scientific method.

  • Part 2: Ethics in Research

    • Focus on informed consent.

  • Part 3: Research Methodology

    • Longest section; covers various research methods.

Ethics in Research

Informed Consent

• Definition: Agreement by participants to participate in a study after being informed of its nature and purpose.

  • Importance highlighted by past unethical studies.

  • Example: Tuskegee Study (1932-1972) where African American males were misled about the nature of their participation.

  • Consent in class discussed as the agreement to the syllabus and course requirements.

Key Ethical Considerations

1. Confidentiality

• Keeping personal information private.

  • Limits exist: Can break confidentiality under certain conditions:

    • Harm to self or others.

    • Child abuse or neglect.

    • Court orders.

2. Deception in Research

• Deception can be acceptable if justified and approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB).

  • Example used: Conducting studies where participants are misled about the nature of the study, if IRB approves.

3. Debriefing

• Process of informing participants of the true nature of the study after it has concluded.

  • Participants have a chance to ask questions and receive explanations regarding any deception used.

Research Methodology

Target Population vs Sample

• Target Population: All individuals who meet inclusion criteria for a study.

• Sample: A smaller group selected from the target population, ideally representative.

  • Importance of representative samples for generalization purposes.

Types of Methodologies

Experiments

• Involves manipulating variables in a controlled environment.

• Advantages: Controlled variables allow for clear causal conclusions.

• Drawbacks: Demand characteristics can alter participant behavior.

• Independent Variable (IV): The factor that is manipulated.

• Dependent Variable (DV): The factor that is measured.

Key Examples of Research Studies

1. Weight Loss Study

   • IVs: Exercise, diet, comedy; DV: Weight loss.

2. Impact of Study Strategy on Course Grading

   • IV: Study approach (notes vs textbook vs both vs nothing); DV: Course grades.

3. Dating Outcomes Based on Approach

   • IV: Different dating approaches; DV: Number of dates received.

4. Comparing Talk Therapy to Medication

   • IV: Type of treatment; DV: Depressive symptoms.

Understanding Control Groups

• Control groups allow comparison between treatment and no treatment, validating the effectiveness of interventions.

Addressing Research Bias

• Bias Minimization: Recognizing bias exists in all research; aim to minimize its impact.

Note on Final Tasks

• Article due Thursday; office hours available for questions.