Ethical Issues in Psychological Experiments

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following experiments involved deliberate infection of participants with syphilis, without their consent?

The HeLa Cells Experiment

The Guatemala Syphilis Experiments (correct)

The Stanford Prison Experiment

The Milgram Experiment

The Stanford Prison Experiment raised ethical concerns about the:

Exploitation of vulnerable individuals

Use of deception in research

Failure to obtain informed consent

Lack of clear boundaries to protect participants (correct)

Which of the following experiments involved the use of immortal human cell lines?

The Stanford Prison Experiment

The HeLa Cells Experiment (correct)

The Milgram Experiment

The Guatemala Syphilis Experiments

The Milgram Experiment is primarily associated with which ethical issue?

Deception about the true nature of the experiment (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which experiment led to the development of stricter ethical standards in psychological experiments, including mandatory IRB approval?

The Stanford Prison Experiment (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ethical issues was NOT highlighted in the HeLa Cells Experiment?

Deception about the true nature of the experiment (A) Signup and view all the answers

The Guatemala Syphilis Experiments demonstrate the need for which of the following?

International ethical standards in research (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these steps is NOT a critical part of the research process?

Locating more resources to resolve the research problem (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following experiments involved a researcher who played a dual role, potentially compromising objectivity?

The Stanford Prison Experiment (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using statistics in research?

To provide information about the data and potentially reveal its meaning (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a valuable tool for research as described in the content?

Personal intuitions and biases of the researcher (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the role of the human mind in research?

To interpret the data and arrive at a logical conclusion (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of searching the literature in the research process?

To understand the existing knowledge and potential solutions to the research problem (A) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher aims to investigate the impact of different teaching methods on student performance in mathematics. What type of research method would be most suitable for this investigation?

Experimental method (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which research method aims to comprehensively analyze a specific individual or group over an extended period, providing insights into their development and experiences?

Case study (B) Signup and view all the answers

A research project aims to predict the potential success of a new business venture based on existing market data and industry trends. What type of research method would be most appropriate?

Trends and Projection study (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of a study that aims to understand the relationship between a student's level of anxiety and their performance on standardized tests?

To determine if there is a correlation between anxiety and test performance (A) Signup and view all the answers

Researchers are analyzing historical documents to understand the changing role of women in society over the last century. Which research method are they employing?

Historical method (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a common problem encountered in research?

Lack of expertise in statistics and data analysis (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is essential for a good researcher, according to the text?

Being open-minded and willing to consider different perspectives (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following research methods is considered the most suitable for testing hypotheses about cause and effect relationships?

Experimental Method (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of reviewing related literature?

It can help you understand and evaluate the quality of research studies. (E) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between 'research literature' and 'conceptual literature'?

Research literature primarily presents findings from previous studies, while conceptual literature offers opinions and perspectives on a topic. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a major starting point for locating related literature?

Social Media Platforms (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use recent copyright dates for books when conducting a literature review?

Older books are likely to be outdated and contain irrelevant information. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of 'local' related literature?

A book written by a Filipino author and printed in the Philippines. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an 'abstract' in the context of researching related literature?

To summarize the key points of a research article or study. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of 'indexes' in the context of locating related literature?

To list available resources, such as books and journals, on specific subjects. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using online databases for researching related literature?

They offer access to a vast collection of sources from various fields of study. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of protecting participants' personal information and ensuring data is anonymized when possible?

Confidentiality and Privacy (C) Signup and view all the answers

What ethical principle requires that researchers disclose any conflicts of interest that may affect their research findings?

Integrity and Honesty (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a key ethical consideration in research involving vulnerable populations?

Prioritizing the benefits of the research over the well-being of participants. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of distributing the benefits and burdens of research fairly among different groups?

Justice (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical principle directly focuses on the minimization of any potential harm to participants during the research process?

Avoidance of Harm (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the ethical consideration that emphasizes the participant's right to choose whether or not to participate in a study?

Informed Consent (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the ethical consideration that emphasizes that the research should strive to produce positive outcomes for society or communities?

Beneficence (C) Signup and view all the answers

In relation to research ethics, what is plagiarism?

Using someone else's ideas or writing without proper attribution. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which scale of measurement uses only labels or categories without any numerical order?

Nominal (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which measurement scale allows for calculations of the standard deviation?

Interval (B), Ratio (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic that differentiates the Interval scale to the Ratio scale?

Ratio scales have a true zero point while Interval scales do not. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it NOT possible to determine the mean for data measured on a Nominal scale?

Nominal scales lack a logical order, making calculating an average meaningless. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statistical possibilities are applicable for data measured on an Ordinal scale?

Median, Percentile, Rank Correlation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which measurement scale uses equal intervals between values, allowing for meaningful calculations of differences?

Interval (D) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying the different types of social media platforms used by teenagers. Which scale of measurement is most appropriate for this study?

Nominal (B) Signup and view all the answers

A survey asks participants to rate their level of satisfaction with a product on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 is 'Very Dissatisfied' and 5 is 'Very Satisfied'. What scale of measurement is being used?

Ordinal (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statistical measures is most appropriate for data measured on a Nominal scale?

Mode (D) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher measures the height of participants in centimeters. Which scale of measurement is being used?

Ratio (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Methods

Research is a systematic process involving data collection, analysis, and interpretation to answer specific questions, solve problems, or enhance understanding.
Research uses rigorous methodologies to contribute new knowledge, confirm existing theories, or challenge established norms.

Significance of Research

Advancement of Knowledge: Research expands knowledge by uncovering new facts, insights, and theories.
Problem Solving: Research provides evidence-based solutions to real-world problems in various fields (e.g., health, education, technology, social sciences).
Informed Decision-Making: Research guides decisions by policymakers, organizations, and individuals based on reliable and valid evidence.
Innovation and Development: Research drives innovation through new technologies, products, and methodologies.
Social Impact: Research addresses societal issues like poverty, inequality, and sustainability.
Critical Thinking and Skepticism: Research fosters critical analysis and questioning of assumptions, encouraging evidence-based reasoning.
Educational Development: Research in education identifies effective teaching strategies, learning methods, and assessment tools.

Types of Research (Based on Purpose)

Basic (Fundamental) Research: Seeks to expand knowledge without immediate practical application.
- Example: Exploring how memory works in the brain.
Applied Research: Aims to solve specific practical problems.
- Example: Developing a vaccine for a disease.

Types of Research (Based on Methodology)

Quantitative Research: Focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis.
- Uses structured tools (e.g., surveys, experiments)
- Results are objective and replicable.
- Example: Analyzing test scores to evaluate teaching effectiveness.
Qualitative Research: Explores concepts, opinions, and experiences using non-numerical data.
- Uses open-ended methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups).
- Findings are subjective and descriptive.
- Example: Understanding student perceptions of online learning.
Mixed-Methods Research: Combines quantitative and qualitative approaches.
- Aims to leverage the strengths of both methods for a comprehensive understanding.
- Example: Examining survey data alongside focus groups to evaluate a training program.

Types of Research (Based on Time Frame)

Cross-Sectional Research: Conducted at a single point in time.
- Example: Studying the current prevalence of a disease.
Longitudinal Research: Conducted over an extended period.
- Example: Tracking student academic progress over several years.

Types of Research (Based on Control and Setting)

Experimental Research: Involves manipulating variables to test cause-and-effect relationships.
- Example: Testing the effectiveness of a new teaching method in a classroom.
Non-Experimental Research: Observes variables without manipulation.
- Example: Exploring correlations or descriptive insights.

Types of Research (Based on Field of Study)

Social Science Research: Examines human behavior and societies.
Scientific Research: Focuses on natural sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry).
Educational Research: Investigates teaching methods and learning processes.
Market Research: Analyzes consumer behavior and market trends.

Types of Research (Based on Approach)

Descriptive Research: Describes characteristics or phenomena.
- Example: Surveying student preferences.
Exploratory Research: Investigates areas with limited information.
- Example: Studying the impact of AI on teaching.
Explanatory (Causal) Research: Examines cause-and-effect relationships.
- Example: Testing how study time affects exam performance.
Evaluative Research: Assesses program, policy, or intervention effectiveness.
- Example: Evaluating a new curriculum.

Ethical Considerations in Research

Informed Consent: Participants must be fully informed about the study.
Confidentiality and Privacy: Protecting participant information.
Avoidance of Harm: Minimizing physical, psychological, or emotional harm.
Integrity and Honesty: Presenting findings truthfully.
Respect for Autonomy: Respecting participant decisions.
Beneficence: Prioritizing benefits and minimizing harm.
Justice: Fair distribution of research benefits and burdens.
Research with Vulnerable Populations (e.g., children, elderly): Implementing extra precautions.
Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct: Avoiding plagiarism and following ethical standards.
Dual Use of Research: Awareness of potential for harmful uses.
Environmental Impact: Ensuring sustainability.
Use of Animals in Research: Minimizing animal suffering by following ethical guidelines (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).

Historical Reports of Ethical Issues in Research (Examples)

Tuskegee Syphilis Study: Unethical withholding of treatment from participants.
Nazi Medical Experiments: Extreme harm to human subjects, lack of informed consent.
Milgram Obedience Experiment: Psychological stress on participants.
Stanford Prison Experiment: Abuse of power in a simulated prison environment.
Henrietta Lacks and the HeLa Cells: Ethical concerns regarding informed consent and use of human tissue.
The Guatemala Syphilis Experiments: Deliberate infection with syphilis.
Willowbrook Hepatitis Study: Unethical infection of children with hepatitis.

Impact on Research Ethics

Nuremberg Code, Declaration of Helsinki, Belmont Report: Established ethical principles for research.

Research Ethics Guidelines in the Philippines

National Ethical Guidelines for Health and Health-Related Research (NEGHHR): Provides guidance.
Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB): Oversees and accredits ethics review in the Philippines with policies according to NEGHHR.

Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173)

Governs the ethical use and protection of personal data in research, especially studies involving identifiable information.

Ethical Research Involving Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 (RA 8371): Provides guidelines for research involving indigenous populations, respecting their rights and traditions.
NEGHHR Special Guidelines: Offers additional, specific guidelines.

Protection of participant privacy and confidentiality.
Avoidance of exploitation or harm.
Transparent communication with participants.

Guidelines for Clinical Trials

Conformity to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards
Regulations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines

Universal Ethical Standards

Researchers adhere to international guidelines like the Declaration of Helsinki and CIOMS Guidelines.

Methods of Research Pt 2

Research: Purposeful, systematic and scientific data gathering for problem solution and truth discovery.
Key Concepts: Systematic, empirical, logical, cyclical, replicable, critical
Kinds of Research (GPLTCSTT): Based on goal, purpose, level of investigation
Exploratory, Descriptive, Experimental
Analytic & Holistic Approaches

Methods of Research Pt 3

Research Tools: Library, computer software, statistics, language
Scales of Measurement
Non-Interval Scales: Nominal, Ordinal
Interval Scales: Interval, Ratio

Methods of Research Pt 4

Hypothesis: Tentative answer to a problem
Hypothesis: Types include statistical (null) and alternative (research).
Results & Discussion Section of research paper: Data presentation and interpretation.
Conclusion: Summarizes the findings.
Recommendations: Suggests further research.
Plagiarism: Using others' work without proper citation.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the ethical dilemmas surrounding landmark psychological experiments, including the Stanford Prison Experiment, Milgram Experiment, and Guatemala Syphilis Experiments. This quiz explores issues of consent, objectivity, and the evolution of ethical standards in research.