Research Methods and Ethical Considerations in Psychology

Research Methods

Common Research Methods

• Experiments
• Case studies
• Interviews
• Questionnaire
• Observations

Individual and Group Research Methods

• RM #1: Experiment

  • Strict controls, high reliability
  • High control implies cause and effect relationships
  • Low ecological validity due to artificial setting
  • Demand characteristics may bias results
  • Supporting Study: Bandura

• RM #2: Natural Experiment

  • High ecological validity and generalizability
  • Less bias from sampling and demand characteristics
  • Confounding variables can affect cause and effect
  • Supporting Study: Charlton (St. Helena)
  • Observations without direct manipulation

Cultural Origins of Behaviour and Cognition

• RM #1: Questionnaire

  • Cost-effective and ethical
  • Open and closed questions provide diverse data
  • Social desirability bias may affect truthfulness
  • Supporting Study: Wei et al
  • Used to assess workplace behavior and dynamics

• RM #2: Experiment

  • Strict controls, high reliability
  • May not reflect real life, low ecological validity
  • Supporting Study: Berry 1967 (Conformity)
  • Large sample size, cultural comparison

Cultural Influences on Individual Behavior

• RM #1: Interviews (Acculturation)

  • Collects both quantitative and qualitative data
  • Training may be required; time-consuming
  • Supporting Study: Luek and Wilson
  • Semi-structured interviews on acculturative stress

• RM #2: Observation

  • Qualitative and quantitative observation possible
  • Participants may change behavior if aware
  • Supporting Study: Fagot 1978
  • Observed family dynamics and responses

Ethical Considerations

Importance of Ethical Considerations

• Necessary to ensure participant safety and integrity of research
• Include informed consent, protection from harm, confidentiality, right to withdraw

Ethical Considerations in Studies

• Study 1: Bandura

  • Issues with informed consent, protection, confidentiality
  • Children possibly exposed to mental harm
  • Consent not from legal guardians

• Study 2: Durry

  • Informed consent, deception, protection from harm
  • Participants willingly participated
  • Deception used, potential psychological implications

Ethical Considerations in Cultural Origins

• Study 1: Berry 1967

  • Informed consent, deception, protection from harm
  • Participants conformed under pressure

• Study 2: Wei et al

  • Informed consent, right to withdraw, protection from harm
  • No negative psychological harm, confidentiality maintained

Ethical Considerations in Cultural Influences

• Study 1: Berry 2006 (Acculturation)

  • Confidentiality, informed consent, protection
  • Sensitive topic, anonymity maintained

• Study 2

  • Informed consent, no deception, confidentiality
  • Participants and parents well-informed, privacy protected

Essay Writing Structure

1. Introduction
2. Theory on ethical considerations
3. Study and discussion of ethical considerations
4. Conclusion and evaluation of research methods and ethical considerations