Introduction to Experimental Psychology: The Scientific Method

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Questions and Answers

When is it appropriate to use procedures causing pain, stress, and privation to animals?

When there is no alternative procedure available

When the goal is scientifically justified (correct)

When there are no regulations against it

When minimizing animal discomfort is not possible

What is a key consideration for performing surgical procedures on animals?

Following techniques to avoid infection (correct)

Not providing any pain relief during surgery

Using minimal anesthesia to save costs

Speeding up the surgery process

Who should supervise research procedures involving laboratory animals?

A psychology practitioner with experience in caring for animals (correct)

A veterinarian with no experience in research methods

A non-specialist without any background in animal handling

A researcher with no training in animal care

What should individuals involved in animal research receive clear instructions on?

Animal care and research methods Signup and view all the answers

What efforts should be made when terminating an animal's life in research?

Minimizing pain and following accepted procedures Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances should surgical procedures on animals be performed?

With appropriate anesthesia and care to minimize pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary justification for using animals in research according to the text?

To increase understanding of human behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which committee helps monitor ethical practices in research involving animal subjects?

IACUCs Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe neglecting the rights and interests of other species?

Speciesist Signup and view all the answers

What is the key reason given in the text for complying with laws, regulations, and standards when using animals in research?

To ensure humane treatment of animals Signup and view all the answers

What comparison is made between claims about scientific progress and interracial bigotry?

They are both completely unwarranted and unethical Signup and view all the answers

In what situation does the text allow for the use of animals in research?

When it is the only way to further increase understanding of behavior or health benefits Signup and view all the answers

What responsibility does an investigator have if a participant could suffer long-term consequences?

Remove harmful consequences Signup and view all the answers

Why should what a person does in an experiment be kept confidential?

To uphold ethical standards Signup and view all the answers

Why are animals often used in research according to the text?

To answer questions that cannot be addressed using humans only Signup and view all the answers

What do animal-rights advocates believe regarding research on animals?

Research on animals should have similar prohibitions as research on humans Signup and view all the answers

Why can researchers be faced with ethical dilemmas when trying to uphold confidentiality?

Due to conflicting interests between participants and researchers Signup and view all the answers

What should an investigator prioritize if a participant could suffer long-term consequences in a project?

Removing harmful consequences Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when weighing the potential benefits of research against the costs to the participant?

Fully informing participants and allowing them to end participation at any time Signup and view all the answers

Why might some information be occasionally withheld or participants misled in research?

To prevent subjects from reacting differently due to knowing the full details Signup and view all the answers

What is the ethical concern surrounding participant recruitment from captive audiences like students, prisoners, or military recruits?

The researcher must ensure that individuals have the freedom to withdraw or participate Signup and view all the answers

What should researchers provide to participants after their involvement in a study in terms of contact and understanding?

Subjects should receive debriefing and a way to contact the investigator if needed Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for researchers to describe the general purposes of their research and all manipulations clearly during debriefing?

To ensure any misunderstandings are eliminated and clarify the study's objectives Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines whether a participant in a study is a 'willing volunteer participant'?

Having full awareness and freedom to withdraw from participation at any time Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of scientific psychology?

To understand why people think and act as they do Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not one of the methods of developing beliefs described in the text?

The method of empiricism Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of the method of tenacity?

Steadfastly refusing to alter acquired knowledge, regardless of evidence Signup and view all the answers

How does the text describe the a priori method of developing beliefs?

As a method that refers to something believed without prior study or examination Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the scientific approach and the other methods of developing beliefs described in the text?

The scientific approach uses a variety of well-developed techniques to gather information Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the method of authority as described in the text?

A method in which a trusted authority tells you what is true and what is false Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Informed consent is essential in research, but sometimes information is withheld or participants are misled to prevent subject reactivity.
Participants should receive as much information as possible and know they can withdraw at any time without negative consequences.
Freedom to withdraw is a crucial aspect of research, and researchers must consider the participant's freedom to participate or withdraw.

Protection from Harm and Debriefing

Participants should have a way to contact the researcher following participation in the research.
Researchers must provide a detailed debriefing, explaining the general purposes of the research and describing any manipulations.
Debriefing is necessary to remove any questions or misunderstandings.

Removing Harmful Consequences

Debriefing and providing phone numbers may not be sufficient in risky projects.
Researchers are responsible for removing harmful consequences if participants could suffer long-term consequences.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is essential in research, and participants' actions should be kept confidential unless otherwise agreed.
Researchers may face ethical dilemmas when trying to uphold confidentiality.

Ethics in Research with Animals

Animals are used in research to answer questions that cannot be answered with human beings.
Animals are interesting and form an important part of the natural world.
Animal-rights advocates believe that research on animals should have the same prohibitions as those for human research.

Guidelines for Animal Research

A psychology practitioner trained in research methods and animal care should supervise all procedures.
Clear instructions and guidelines should be provided to individuals involved in animal research.
Procedures causing pain, stress, or privation should only be used when an alternative is unavailable, the goal is justified, and efforts are made to minimize discomfort.
Surgical procedures should be performed with appropriate anesthesia and techniques to avoid infection and minimize pain.

IRBs and IACUCs

Institutional review boards (IRBs) and institutional animal care and use committees (IACUCs) monitor ethical practices in research and ensure the ethical treatment of human participants and animal subjects.

Humane Care and Use of Animals in Research

Animals should only be used in research when it is the only way to further understanding of human or animal behavior, increase understanding of the specific species, or augment benefits to human or animal health and welfare.
Researchers should comply with current laws, regulations, and professional standards when working with animals.
Animals should be treated humanely and not exposed to unnecessary discomfort, pain, or disruption.