Introduction to Experimental Psychology: The Scientific Method

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

When the goal is scientifically justified

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

Following techniques to avoid infection

Who should supervise research procedures involving laboratory animals?

A psychology practitioner with experience in caring for animals

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

Animal care and research methods

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

Minimizing pain and following accepted procedures

Under what circumstances should surgical procedures on animals be performed?

With appropriate anesthesia and care to minimize pain

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

To increase understanding of human behavior

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

IACUCs

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

Speciesist

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

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

They are both completely unwarranted and unethical

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

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

Remove harmful consequences

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

To uphold ethical standards

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

To answer questions that cannot be addressed using humans only

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

Research on animals should have similar prohibitions as research on humans

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

Due to conflicting interests between participants and researchers

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

Removing harmful consequences

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

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

To prevent subjects from reacting differently due to knowing the full details

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

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

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

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

What is the primary goal of scientific psychology?

To understand why people think and act as they do

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

The method of empiricism

What is the key characteristic of the method of tenacity?

Steadfastly refusing to alter acquired knowledge, regardless of evidence

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

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

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

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.

Introduction to Experimental Psychology

  • The goal of scientific psychology is to understand why people think and act as they do.
  • The scientific method is a valid way to acquire knowledge about the world.
  • Characteristics of the scientific approach make it a desirable way to learn about and arrive at beliefs about the nature of things.

Methods of Developing Beliefs

  • The method of authority relies on taking someone else's word on faith.
  • The method of tenacity involves steadfastly refusing to alter acquired knowledge, regardless of evidence to the contrary.
  • The a priori method involves believing propositions without prior study or examination.

Explore the importance of the scientific method in understanding human behavior and cognition. Learn why psychologists use well-developed techniques to gather information and develop theoretical explanations. Discover the characteristics that make the scientific approach a desirable way to acquire knowledge.

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