Lecture 1&2 PSYCH2018

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary focuses of methods courses in psychology?

Applying psychological theories in real-world situations

Enhancing critical thinking skills (correct)

Exploring historical contexts of psychology

Teaching specific psychological topics

Which of the following statements accurately characterizes pseudoscience?

It embraces rigorous empirical methods.

It often relies on systematic observation.

It typically utilizes anecdotal evidence. (correct)

It focuses on generating public, objective knowledge.

In scientific thinking, what does the principle of discoverability imply?

All scientific claims can be verified without empirical evidence.

Science is based purely on subjective experiences.

All events are predetermined by past occurrences.

Causes of events can be identified through investigation. (correct)

Which of the following best describes the goal of 'explain' in psychological research?

To thoroughly understand relationships between factors affecting psychological phenomena. Signup and view all the answers

Which way of knowing is characterized by reliance on personal observation and experience?

Empiricism/Direct Experience Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical difference between science and pseudoscience?

Science emphasizes empirical validation of claims. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of scientific research?

It encourages skepticism paired with optimism. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term determinism in the context of scientific thinking?

Events have identifiable causes that can be discovered. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the five general principles outlined in the APA Code of Ethics?

Informed Consent Signup and view all the answers

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

To determine if the project meets ethical guidelines Signup and view all the answers

In which circumstance is research typically ineligible for expedited review by the IRB?

Research involving at-risk populations without proper justification Signup and view all the answers

Which historical study is an example of ethically questionable research due to inadequate informed consent?

Tuskegee syphilis study Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor considered by the IRB when determining the level of review needed for a research proposal?

The degree of risk to subjects Signup and view all the answers

Which principle emphasizes the need for researchers to be honest and transparent in their work?

Integrity Signup and view all the answers

What is required of researchers when obtaining informed consent from participants?

Participants must receive sufficient information to make an informed decision. Signup and view all the answers

What element is specifically required when obtaining consent from children participating in research?

Parental assent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a common reason for scientific misconduct in research?

Pressure to publish results Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical guideline addresses the fair treatment of individuals in psychological research?

Respect for Peoples’ Rights and Dignity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scientific Thinking in Psychology

Psychology relies heavily on research methods, which are foundational for critical evaluation of information.
Research methods courses focus on the process of research rather than content.
These methodological courses improve critical thinking skills, vital for graduate study and broader psychological understanding.

Ways of Knowing

Authority: Learning from others, often helpful initially, but not always accurate.
Reason/Logic: Drawing conclusions based on assumptions. Problems occur when assumptions are flawed and not verifiable.
Empiricism/Direct Experience: Learning through observation and personal experience, often subjective and biased.

Science as a Way of Knowing

Science assumes determinism (events have causes) and discoverability (those causes can be found).
It minimizes bias through systematic observation.
Science generates public, objective knowledge supported by multiple observers.
Science uses data to form conclusions, not opinions.
Scientific theories can be tested and potentially disproven (falsifiable).
Scientists combine skepticism and optimism.

Science vs. Pseudoscience

Pseudoscience resembles science, but lacks rigorous methodology and evidence.
It relies on anecdotes, avoids testing, and simplifies complex phenomena.
Phrenology and graphology are examples of pseudoscience.
Pseudoscience oversimplifies intricate phenomena.

The Goals of Research in Psychology

Describe: Identifying patterns in behaviors, thoughts, and emotions.
Predict: Establishing relationships between psychological factors to allow prediction.
Explain: Understanding the reasons behind psychological events, including possible causes.
Apply: Using research to improve real-world situations and problems.

Famous Psychologists

Eleanor Gibson (visual cliff studies) and B.F. Skinner (operant conditioning).

Ethics in Psychological Research

Origins of APA Ethics Code

The APA's ethical code has evolved, with a significant code published in 2002 (updated in 2010). This code guides research, clinical work, and teaching in psychology.

Ethical Principles

The code includes five general principles: beneficence and nonmaleficence, fidelity and responsibility, integrity, justice, and respect for people's rights and dignity.

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)

IRBs review research proposals to ensure ethical treatment of participants.
The level of IRB review depends on the risk to participants.
There are exemptions, expedited reviews, and full reviews.

Ethical Considerations in Research

Informed Consent: Participants must be informed fully before agreeing to participate in research.
Deception: Used sometimes in research to create natural behavior (e.g., Milgram’s Obedience studies). Informed consent may not be possible or necessary in certain situations, such as some surveys, observational studies, educational research, and archival research.
Special Populations: Children, prisoners, and others require extra precautions to avoid coercion.

Ethical Guidelines for Research with Animals

Justifying studies in terms of cost-benefit.
Ensuring animal welfare (e.g., expertise with the species).
Limiting use for educational reasons.

Scientific Misconduct

Scientific misconduct includes plagiarism, falsifying data, and more.
Motivations for misconduct vary.

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Description

This quiz explores the essential research methods in psychology and their role in enhancing critical thinking skills. You'll learn about various ways of knowing, including authority, reason, and empiricism, and how these concepts relate to scientific inquiry. Test your understanding of the foundational principles of scientific thinking as applied to psychology.