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.