Ethics in Research and Institutional Review Boards

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

To protect the rights and well-being of research participants (correct)

To develop ethical standards for research

To approve all research proposals

To conduct research involving human participants

The Nuremberg Code was developed to prevent unethical medical experiments that occurred during World War II.

True (A)

What information should be included in an informed consent form?

The informed consent form should outline the purpose of the study, potential risks and benefits, the voluntary nature of participation, confidentiality of data, and procedures involved.

In cases where participants are under 18, ______ consent is necessary.

parental or guardian Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of deception in research?

To minimize bias in participants' responses (A) Signup and view all the answers

Researchers are never allowed to deceive participants in their studies.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is debriefing, and why is it important?

Debriefing involves informing participants about the true purpose, methods, and outcomes of the study, especially if deception was used. It restores honesty, addresses potential ethical concerns, and ensures informed consent. Signup and view all the answers

The ______ committee reviews research proposals involving animal subjects.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Signup and view all the answers

Why are rodents frequently used in psychological research?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

Animal research must always be approved by the IRB.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Ethical Standards = Principles and guidelines regulating research conduct Informed Consent = Voluntary agreement based on complete comprehension Institutional Review Board (IRB) = Committee overseeing human research ethics Deception = Intentional misleading of participants Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) = Committee overseeing animal research ethics Signup and view all the answers

What are the three key components emphasized by the Nuremberg Code for ethical research?

The Nuremberg Code emphasizes voluntary informed consent, minimizing harm to participants, and ensuring research is based on scientific necessity and conducted by qualified individuals. Signup and view all the answers

The IRB ensures that research involving human subjects adheres to ______ standards.

ethical Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is TRUE about the IRB's role in research?

The IRB monitors ongoing studies and investigates ethical misconduct during the research. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Ethical considerations are only important in research involving human participants, not animals.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the placebo effect?

Improvements due to participants' beliefs (B) Signup and view all the answers

Correlational research can establish causation.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the independent variable in an experiment?

The independent variable is manipulated or controlled by the researcher. Signup and view all the answers

A(n) ______ is a substance or treatment that has no therapeutic effect, often used in medical research.

placebo Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary strength of conducting experiments?

They can establish cause and effect relationships (A) Signup and view all the answers

Statistical significance is determined if there is more than a five percent chance of observed differences occurring by random variation.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What method protects against bias caused by expectancy?

Providing the control group with a placebo treatment. Signup and view all the answers

In a randomized sample, every member of the population has an equal chance of being ______.

selected Signup and view all the answers

Match the following participant groups with their experimental roles:

Control group = Receives placebo treatment Experimental group = Receives the new medication Random sample = Ensures diversity in participant selection Statistical analysis = Determines significant differences Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a double-blind study?

Both researchers and participants are unaware of group assignments (B) Signup and view all the answers

Effective interpretation of study results considers potential limitations or biases.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of study design is essential for the validity of results?

Random assignment Signup and view all the answers

In psychological studies, participants are often selected from ______, which may not be representative of the broader population.

college students Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)?

To ensure the ethical treatment of animals used in research (C) Signup and view all the answers

Debriefing occurs before participants conclude their involvement in a study.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What document must human participants sign before participating in a study?

informed consent form Signup and view all the answers

The ___________ reviews study proposals to ensure ethical standards are met involving human participants.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the IACUC?

Providing funding for animal research (C) Signup and view all the answers

Researchers are allowed to use deception without any ethical considerations.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What must researchers do to ensure the well-being of animal participants in a study?

design humane experiments and get IACUC approval Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their correct definitions:

Informed Consent = A document outlining the study's details for human participants Debriefing = Providing participants with honest information after the study IACUC = Committee responsible for animal welfare in research IRB = Committee that reviews human research proposals for ethical standards Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of cross-sectional research?

Efficiency and convenience in data collection (A) Signup and view all the answers

Longitudinal studies have a shorter duration than cross-sectional studies.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe consistent inaccuracies in measurements in research?

Systematic errors Signup and view all the answers

Correlational research examines the degree of __________ between two or more variables.

association Signup and view all the answers

What does a correlation coefficient of 0.9 indicate about the relationship between two variables?

Strong relationship (A) Signup and view all the answers

A negative correlation means that as one variable increases, the other decreases.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon explains the increase in lipstick sales during economic downturns?

Lipstick effect Signup and view all the answers

____________ research studies changes over an extended period.

Longitudinal Signup and view all the answers

Match the following research methods with their definitions:

Cross-sectional research = Gathers data from a diverse group at a single time point Longitudinal research = Studies changes over an extended time Archival research = Examines existing records or documents Naturalistic observation = Studies behavior in natural settings without intervention Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary limitation of cross-sectional studies?

They are susceptible to individual differences affecting responses. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Cross-sectional studies allow researchers to track the same individuals over time.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the correlation coefficient range indicating the strength of a relationship?

-1 to +1 Signup and view all the answers

The reliability and validity of research findings can be compromised by __________ errors.

systematic Signup and view all the answers

Which research approach is primarily concerned with establishing a wide range of variables' interrelationships?

Cross-sectional research (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does a positive correlation imply about the relationship between two variables?

They move in the same direction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of psychological research?

To gain deeper insights into human behavior (D) Signup and view all the answers

Psychological research relies on subjective interpretations rather than scientific inquiry.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What helps psychologists justify the relationship between behaviors and emotions?

Scientific research Signup and view all the answers

Systematic scientific research facilitates an objective comprehension of ourselves and our ______.

surroundings Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to conduct research in psychology?

To eliminate misconceptions and prejudices (A) Signup and view all the answers

Psychologists may form conclusions based solely on observation without the need for research.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Psychological research involves collecting data, analyzing it, and drawing ______ about human behavior.

conclusions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of naturalistic observation in research?

It provides insights into behavior without artificial constraints (D) Signup and view all the answers

Observer bias can impact the accuracy of data collected during naturalistic observation.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one major drawback of using surveys for data collection?

Respondents may provide false or inaccurate information. Signup and view all the answers

Naturalistic observation reveals insights into ______, imaginative play, and social dynamics.

conflict resolution Signup and view all the answers

Match the research methods with their characteristics:

Naturalistic Observation = Observing behavior in a natural setting without interference Surveys = Collecting data from a large sample through questions Archival Research = Analyzing existing records and data sets Longitudinal Research = Collecting data from the same subjects over time Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following might reduce the accuracy of survey results?

Participants providing socially desirable answers (D) Signup and view all the answers

Cross-sectional research collects data at multiple time points.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

In what type of study can researchers track exercise habits of individuals from adolescence to adulthood?

Longitudinal study Signup and view all the answers

What is one key purpose of the peer-review process?

To maintain the quality of scientific literature (B) Signup and view all the answers

Archival research involves collecting data from large sources of ______ or data sets.

records Signup and view all the answers

Peer reviewers analyze both the clarity and the ethical conduct of the research.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Match the research designs with their primary focus:

Longitudinal = Causal relationships over time Cross-Sectional = Snapshot of different individuals at one time Naturalistic Observation = Behavior in natural context Archival Research = Patterns from existing data Signup and view all the answers

What does reliability in data collection refer to?

The consistency of producing the same result. Signup and view all the answers

The __________ process helps identify gaps in existing knowledge.

peer review Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of naturalistic observation?

Participants may not show up for observation (D) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of reliability with their descriptions:

Inter-rater reliability = Agreement among different observers Internal consistency = Correlation among items measuring the same construct Test-retest reliability = Consistency of outcomes across multiple administrations Signup and view all the answers

Surveys allow researchers to generalize findings about a larger population.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of validity assesses the generalizability of research findings to real-world scenarios?

Ecological validity (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of collecting data in longitudinal research?

To establish causal relationships between variables over time. Signup and view all the answers

Validity can exist without reliability.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

A potential disadvantage of surveys is that respondents may exhibit ______ attitudes towards sensitive topics.

latent Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a standardized test like the SAT?

To assess students' readiness for college-level studies. Signup and view all the answers

The ethical principles in research aim to protect the rights and __________ of participants.

welfare Signup and view all the answers

Which historical event highlighted the need for ethical oversight in research involving human participants?

World War II experiments (D) Signup and view all the answers

Causation can be established through correlational research.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Name one type of ethical consideration in research.

Informed consent, confidentiality, or the welfare of participants. Signup and view all the answers

The __________ review board evaluates research proposals involving human subjects.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Signup and view all the answers

What does construct validity measure?

Accuracy in capturing the intended variable (A) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following tests with their purposes:

SAT = College readiness assessment TOEFL = Evaluating English proficiency for non-native speakers Signup and view all the answers

What does the researcher predict regarding regular exercise?

Regular exercise enhances mood and reduces stress. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Empirical observation involves gathering data through direct sensory experience.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of reasoning starts with specific observations and draws broader conclusions?

inductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

Regular exercise improves mood and reduces stress through __________ mechanisms.

physiological Signup and view all the answers

A negative correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable also increases.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

A scatterplot that displays points scattered randomly with no discernible relationship between variables indicates a ______ correlation.

no Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of correlational research?

It can be used to identify patterns in data. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the major limitation of correlational research?

It cannot determine cause and effect. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why correlational research cannot establish causation?

It only measures relationships, not cause and effect. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Inductive reasoning begins with a general premise.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a control group in an experiment?

To provide a baseline for comparison against the experimental group. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of an illusory correlation that you might have encountered.

Answers will vary. Signup and view all the answers

Confounding variables can explain the relationship between two correlated variables.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

A study on behavioral changes can be conducted through __________ observation.

naturalistic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of case studies?

They provide extensive data on unique cases. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of an experiment in research?

To establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of an experiment?

Randomized sample (D) Signup and view all the answers

An experiment must have control over variables to establish causality.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a physiological mechanism that may enhance mood.

Release of endorphins during exercise. Signup and view all the answers

The process of using one's senses to record phenomena is known as __________ observation.

empirical Signup and view all the answers

The experimental hypothesis always proposes a causal relationship between variables.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

A ______ study involves a group of participants who are unaware of the treatment they are receiving, while the researcher knows which group each participant belongs to.

single-blind Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a placebo in an experiment?

To control for the effects of expectations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of a double-blind study?

It helps to minimize experimenter bias. Signup and view all the answers

The operational definition of a variable ensures that it is measured consistently throughout the study.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

In research, a group of participants that are similar to the experimental group in all aspects except for the treatment is called the ______ group.

control Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good research study?

Generalizability to a wide range of populations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it significant for a researcher to consider potential limitations and biases in their study?

It helps to ensure that the results are valid and reliable. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Origins of Psychology and its Branches

Psychology has diverse benefits, understanding ourselves and others, influencing other fields

Connecting Psychology to Other Fields

Researchers analyze human behavior and motivations in everyday situations, like noticing someone wearing unusual clothes in a warm day or a group dancing.
This helps understand underlying reasons behind actions and choices.

Importance of Research in Psychology

Psychological research is crucial to understand human behavior, cognition, and emotions.
It's essential to analyze gathered data scientifically, to avoid prejudices and superstitions.

Role of Research Process

Aims to understand human behavior.
Focuses on human behavior, cognition, and physiological mechanisms.
Scientific knowledge is verifiable and remains consistent across observations.

Addressing Challenges in Studies

People may be reluctant to share information or may not respond honestly.
Innovative methods are needed to get authentic and insightful responses in studies.

The Marshmallow Test

Walter Mischel's marshmallow test showed that the ability to delay gratification predicts future success (academic and emotional well-being) in children.

Using Research Information Critically

Critical thinking is crucial especially with online resources.
Factors like expertise, potential motives, evidence, and other researchers' views need evaluation.
Be cautious with claims of scientific evidence when it serves marketing purposes or promotes an individual's perspective.

Research's Role in Decision Making

Research is crucial for informed decisions in personal and public life.
For example, evaluating effectiveness of child intervention programs, stock investments requires thorough analysis.

The Scientific Method

Research follows a circular process: generating ideas, testing, and iterating.
A falsifiable hypothesis is a testable statement which can be proven wrong by experimentation.
Inductive reasoning generalizes from specific instances, deductive reasoning applies general principles to specific cases.

Forming Theories and Hypotheses

Theories explain observed events while hypotheses are testable parts of a theory.
In research, a researcher might observe that regular exercise improves mood and reduce stress forming a hypothesis.

Example of Exercise and Mood

Through experiments, the researcher measures mood and stress levels before and after exercise, creating a positive correlation between exercise and mood.
A theory emerges: exercise enhances mood and reduces stress through physiological mechanisms, thus boosting overall well-being.

Everyday Connection Analysis

Applying inductive and deductive reasoning to determine if organic strawberries are more expensive.
Observing if organic products are typically more costly than regular products and deducing that "organic" label is often associated with higher prices.

Different Types of Research Methods

Clinical/Case Studies

In-depth analysis of unique individuals, often reveal unexpected findings, like understanding Phineas Gage's personality changes after a brain injury.
Limitation: findings may not generalize well to a wider population.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing subjects in natural conditions.
Advantage: unobtrusiveness in natural environments.
Disadvantage: lack of control, difficulty generalizing findings, and observer bias.

Surveys

Collecting data from a large group of people.
Advantages: easy data collection, greater diversity of responses from diverse participants, easier generalizability of findings.
Disadvantages: accuracy of responses prone to errors like faking responses.

Archival Research

Analyze existing records to find patterns and relationships.
Advantages: cost-effective, avoids redundant research, broad scope of research.
Disadvantages: limited by available data, cannot manipulate variables.

Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Research

Longitudinal: tracks the same subjects over a long period.
Cross-sectional: compares different groups at a specific point in time.
Longitudinal studies are useful for determining causation.

Analyzing Findings: Correlations and Causation

Correlations show relationships between variables, not causation.
Correlation coefficient (r) shows strength and direction of a relationship (-1 to +1).
Factors (confounding variables) besides the investigated variables may be present.
Distinguish correlation from causation, avoid illusory correlation (false perception of a relationship between variables).

Establishing Causation: Experiments

Independent variable: manipulated by the researcher.
Dependent variable: measured to see the effect of the independent variable.
Hypothesis: a testable statement about the relationship between variables.
Experimental group: group that receives the treatment.
Control group: group that doesn't receive the treatment (or placebo).
Random assignment: ensures groups are similar to minimize biases.

Selecting and Assigning Participants

Random sampling is preferred for generalizability, ensuring every person in a population has an equal chance of being selected.
Random assignment to experimental and control groups reduces systematic differences between groups, minimizing biases.

Interpreting Experimental Findings

Statistical analysis determines significant differences between groups.
Usually, a difference is considered statistically significant if there's less than a 5% chance it occurred by random variation.

Reporting Research

Peer review ensures accuracy, validity, and prevents duplication.
Expert review of research enhances the rigor of the study.

Reliability and Validity

Reliability: consistency of a measurement tool.
Validity: accuracy in measuring the intended aspect.
Standardized tests (SAT, TOEFL) are examples of reliable and valid measures.

Ethics in Research: Human Participants

Ethical treatment of participants is paramount in all research studies.
Informed consent forms are vital, ensuring participants understand the study and give voluntary permission.
Deception may be necessary in some studies but requires full debriefing afterward.
IRB review ensures that research protocols adhere to ethical standards.

Ethics in Research: Animal Participants

Ethical considerations are paramount when using animals in research.
IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) review ensures animals' welfare during experimentation and protects them from unnecessary pain.

Real Life Application (Example)

Explains how universities conduct research ethically by obtaining informed consent, submitting to IRB review, and employing IACUC guidelines.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

This quiz focuses on the ethical considerations in research, particularly the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and guidelines such as the Nuremberg Code. Test your knowledge on informed consent, deception in research, and the use of animals in psychological studies. It's an essential exploration of ethical standards in scientific research.

Ethics in Research and Institutional Review Boards

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Podcast

Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

The Nuremberg Code was developed to prevent unethical medical experiments that occurred during World War II.

What information should be included in an informed consent form?

In cases where participants are under 18, ______ consent is necessary.

What is the purpose of deception in research?

Researchers are never allowed to deceive participants in their studies.

What is debriefing, and why is it important?

The ______ committee reviews research proposals involving animal subjects.

Why are rodents frequently used in psychological research?

Animal research must always be approved by the IRB.

Match the following terms with their definitions:

What are the three key components emphasized by the Nuremberg Code for ethical research?

The IRB ensures that research involving human subjects adheres to ______ standards.

Which of the following statements is TRUE about the IRB's role in research?

Ethical considerations are only important in research involving human participants, not animals.

What is the placebo effect?

Correlational research can establish causation.

What is the role of the independent variable in an experiment?

A(n) ______ is a substance or treatment that has no therapeutic effect, often used in medical research.

What is the primary strength of conducting experiments?

Statistical significance is determined if there is more than a five percent chance of observed differences occurring by random variation.

What method protects against bias caused by expectancy?

In a randomized sample, every member of the population has an equal chance of being ______.

Match the following participant groups with their experimental roles:

What characterizes a double-blind study?

Effective interpretation of study results considers potential limitations or biases.

What type of study design is essential for the validity of results?

In psychological studies, participants are often selected from ______, which may not be representative of the broader population.

What is the primary purpose of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)?

Debriefing occurs before participants conclude their involvement in a study.

What document must human participants sign before participating in a study?

The ___________ reviews study proposals to ensure ethical standards are met involving human participants.

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the IACUC?

Researchers are allowed to use deception without any ethical considerations.

What must researchers do to ensure the well-being of animal participants in a study?

Match the following terms with their correct definitions:

What is a key advantage of cross-sectional research?

Longitudinal studies have a shorter duration than cross-sectional studies.

What is the term used to describe consistent inaccuracies in measurements in research?

Correlational research examines the degree of __________ between two or more variables.

What does a correlation coefficient of 0.9 indicate about the relationship between two variables?

A negative correlation means that as one variable increases, the other decreases.

What phenomenon explains the increase in lipstick sales during economic downturns?

____________ research studies changes over an extended period.

Match the following research methods with their definitions:

What is the primary limitation of cross-sectional studies?

Cross-sectional studies allow researchers to track the same individuals over time.

What is the correlation coefficient range indicating the strength of a relationship?

The reliability and validity of research findings can be compromised by __________ errors.

Which research approach is primarily concerned with establishing a wide range of variables' interrelationships?

What does a positive correlation imply about the relationship between two variables?

What is the primary objective of psychological research?

Psychological research relies on subjective interpretations rather than scientific inquiry.

What helps psychologists justify the relationship between behaviors and emotions?

Systematic scientific research facilitates an objective comprehension of ourselves and our ______.

Why is it important to conduct research in psychology?

Psychologists may form conclusions based solely on observation without the need for research.

Psychological research involves collecting data, analyzing it, and drawing ______ about human behavior.

What is the main benefit of naturalistic observation in research?

Observer bias can impact the accuracy of data collected during naturalistic observation.

What is one major drawback of using surveys for data collection?

Naturalistic observation reveals insights into ______, imaginative play, and social dynamics.

Match the research methods with their characteristics:

Which of the following might reduce the accuracy of survey results?

Cross-sectional research collects data at multiple time points.

In what type of study can researchers track exercise habits of individuals from adolescence to adulthood?

What is one key purpose of the peer-review process?

Archival research involves collecting data from large sources of ______ or data sets.

Peer reviewers analyze both the clarity and the ethical conduct of the research.

Match the research designs with their primary focus:

What does reliability in data collection refer to?

The __________ process helps identify gaps in existing knowledge.

What is a key limitation of naturalistic observation?

Match the following types of reliability with their descriptions:

Surveys allow researchers to generalize findings about a larger population.

Which type of validity assesses the generalizability of research findings to real-world scenarios?