Lecture Topic 10 - Research, Ethics and Applications

Question 1

Early Psychology Research Perspective

Answer 1

The terms idiographic and nomothetic were introduced to American psychology by Gordon Allport in 1937 to draw a distinction between clinical research and other emerging fields in psychology such as social and developmental.

Idiographic describes the study of the individual, who is seen as a unique agent with a unique life history, with properties setting him/her apart from other individuals. A common method to study these unique characteristics is an autobiography, (i.e. a narrative that recounts the unique sequence of events that made the person who she is).

Nomothetic describes the study of classes or cohorts of individuals. Here the subject is seen as an exemplar of a population and their corresponding personality traits and behaviours.

Question 2

basic research

Answer 2

refers to research aimed at increasing our scientific knowledge base. This type of research is often purely theoretical with the intent of increasing our understanding of certain phenomena or behaviour but does not necessarily seek to impact personal or social challenges.
Example: Neurological Configurations

Question 3

applied research

Answer 3

refers to research aimed at investigating practical problems and challenges. Applied research may include solutions to everyday problems, assisting with psychological challenges or developing innovate technologies.

Question 4

qualitiative data

Answer 4

is descriptive information, focusing on qualities and characteristics rather than numbers, and is often gathered from interviews, observations, and documents to understand experiences, perceptions, and behaviours.
Example: Please describe how you are feeling today.

Question 5

quantiative data

Answer 5

is information that can be quantified, meaning it can be counted, measured, and expressed numerically, and is often analysed using statistical methods.

Example: Please describe how sad you are today on the following scale

Question 6

name the stpes in the scinetific method

Answer 6

observation
hypnothesis generation
hypothesis testing
theory development
replication and extenison

Question 7

hyptheiss generation scientific method

Answer 7

producing a formal statement that represents your belief about the cause of the observed behaviour.

Question 8

hypothesis testing

Answer 8

employing non-experimental or experimental methods to test the veracity of your hypothesis.

Non-Experimental Methods
There are a variety of non-experimental methods available for testing a hypothesis (Step 3 of the Scientific Method), including:
Archival Research - involves using primary source materials held in archives, such as historical documents, records, and other sources, to investigate past events, trends, and phenomena
Case Study - a detailed investigation and analysis of a specific individual, event, organization, or phenomenon. It’s used to gain in-depth understanding and insights into the subject within its real-world context

Question 9

creatin survey questions - what to keep in mind

Answer 9

• Each survey question should have a specific goal that is directly related to the report
• Good questions avoid:
• Double negatives
• Long questions
• Complex questions
• Confusing questions

Question 10

components of the experiment

Answer 10

Independent Variable (IV) - the variable that is manipulated and which is hypothesised to be a causal agent

Dependent Variable (DV) - the variable that is measured to illustrate a difference between the control and experimental groups

Control Group - the group which does not receive the independent variable (IV)

Experimental Group - the group which receives the IV

Question 11

components of the experiment

Answer 11

random sample
random assignment
double blind

Question 12

random sample

Answer 12

a subset of individuals selected from a larger population where each individual has an equal and independent chance of being chosen

Question 13

random assignment

Answer 13

a crucial technique in experimental research where participants are placed into different groups (e.g., treatment or control) using a random process, ensuring each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any group

Question 14

double blind

Answer 14

ensures neither the participants nor the researchers know which treatment group each individual is assigned to until the trial’s completion

Question 15

research ethics

Answer 15

• General Ethical Guidelines for Human Research (across jurisdictions):
• Protection from Harm
• Right to Privacy
• Deception
• Informed Consent
• Debriefing
• Social Responsibility

Question 16

name the 4 main research ethics

Answer 16

benedicience
respect
research merit and integirty
justice

Question 17

Research Merit & Integrity

Answer 17

research must contribute to knowledge and understanding, to improved social welfare and individual wellbeing
methods and resources must be appropriate
rationale must be justified based on previous work
team must be capable
conducted honestly. In line with accepted principles & practices
results are communicated (generally through peer-reviewed journals)

Question 18

Justice

Answer 18

inclusion and recruitment is fair and equitable
burden and benefits are fairly distributed
no exploitation
results are made accessible

Question 19

Beneficence

Answer 19

benefits must justify any burden, risk, discomfort
risks must be minimised
risks must be clearly communicated
if it becomes clear that benefits no longer justify the risks, the research must be suspended

Question 20

Respect

Answer 20

respect for participants as human beings with intrinsic value
regard for welfare, beliefs, perceptions, customs and cultural heritage of those involved in research
respect privacy, confidentiality & cultural sensitivities of participants
consideration of the capacity of human beings to make their own decisions
when participants cannot make their own decisions, they should be empowered and protected