Research Methods in Psychology Chapter 7

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Questions and Answers

What should be provided to students if participation in research is a condition for course credit?

Equitable alternative activities (correct)

A certification for involvement

Higher grades for participation

Guaranteed participation without alternatives

Under what circumstance can researchers use deception about the goals of a study?

When participants have consented to their use

To increase participant recruitment

Only when it is absolutely necessary for the integrity of the research (correct)

When the goals are deemed uninteresting

What is a primary ethical concern regarding animal research?

The lack of animal consent (correct)

The animal's ability to communicate

The number of animals used

Changing the animal's diet

According to APA ethical guidelines, which of the following is prohibited when alternative procedures are available?

Subjecting animals to pain or stress Signup and view all the answers

What must researchers ensure about animal subjects as per APA ethical guidelines?

Their comfort, health, and humane treatment Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an experimental group in a research study?

It is subjected to a change in the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern related to reproducibility in psychological research?

Very few studies are being successfully replicated. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a random sample?

Each individual in the population has an equal chance of being chosen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of feminist psychology?

Exploring a variety of views on social roles of women and men Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of multimethod research?

To combine various research methods for deeper insights. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'race' in the context of human diversity?

A subpopulation of species, defined according to an identifiable characteristic Signup and view all the answers

Which key principle is part of the APA ethical guidelines for research on human subjects?

Informed consent must be obtained and documented. Signup and view all the answers

What is a representative sample designed to achieve?

Closely correspond to the characteristics of the larger population. Signup and view all the answers

In psychological research, the term 'ethnicity' is best defined as which of the following?

Common cultural heritage shared by a group of individuals Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes individualistic cultures?

Value on independence and personal achievement Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the control group in an experimental design?

To create a baseline for comparison with the experimental group. Signup and view all the answers

Which research method involves the systematic study of behavior in natural settings?

Naturalistic observation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following issues is critical for maintaining ethical standards in psychological research?

Any risks or discomforts must be clearly communicated beforehand. Signup and view all the answers

One disadvantage of naturalistic observation is:

Observer bias might distort interpretations of the observed behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of collectivist cultures?

Value on interdependence and fitting in with the group Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable limitation of case studies in psychological research?

They cannot be replicated, limiting generalization Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Experimental Research

Experimental Group: Participants subjected to a change in the independent variable.
Control Group: Participants not subjected to changes; serves as a comparison for the experimental group.

Replication Crisis

Reproducibility: Essential for all sciences; concerns arose about the low replication rates in life and social sciences.
Ongoing efforts aim to balance original research with replication studies to enhance reproducibility.

Multimethod Research

Combines various research approaches to yield deeper insights into psychological phenomena.

Importance of Sampling

Sample: A subgroup representing the larger population.
Random Sample: Each participant has an equal chance of selection, ensuring impartiality.
Representative Sample: Selected so that participants reflect the characteristics of the wider population.

Ethical Guidelines for Human Research

Informed Consent: Participants must be clearly informed about the research in understandable language and consent must be documented.
Risks Disclosure: Participants should be aware of risks, potential adverse effects, and confidentiality limits prior to participation.
Alternative Activities: If participation is linked to course credit, equivalent alternatives must be provided.
Deception Guidelines: Deception may be used only when crucial for research integrity and not regarding elements that influence willingness to participate.

Animal Research Ethics

Utilized when human experiments would be unethical; ethical concerns regarding consent for nonhuman animals.
Researchers must ensure animals are treated humanely and their comfort, health, and humane treatment are prioritized.

Human Diversity

Gender Perspectives: Feminist psychology presents diverse views on social roles of genders.
Sexual Orientation: Defines the direction of sexual interest, with ongoing early-stage research in the field.

Race and Ethnicity

Race: Defined as a subpopulation distinguished by identifiable characteristics.
Ethnicity: A shared cultural heritage among a group of individuals.

Cultural Dimensions

Culture: Encompasses values, attitudes, and beliefs passed through generations.
Cross-Cultural Research: Investigates cultural differences and examines how cultures affect behaviors.
Individualistic Cultures: Emphasize independence and personal achievement.
Collectivist Cultures: Focus on interdependence and harmonious relationships.