Research and Ethics

Scientific Method Method of learning about the world through the application of critical thinking and tools such as observation, experimentation, and statistical analysis Steps 1. Question – What are you trying to learn more about? 2. Research Method – How are you going to gather information?

Scientific Method Cont’d 3. Hypothesis – What do you predict will be your findings? 4. Procedure/ Method – A step by step plan for the experiment designed to test your hypothesis. 5. Data – Information you gather while conducting your experiment.

Scientific Method Cont’d 6. Observations – Written description of what was noticed during the experiment 7. Conclusion – Was the hypothesis correct or incorrect? 8. Critical Thinking – How did the experiment go? What went wrong? What went right? What would you change for the next time you conduct the experiment?

Observation and Bias Observation – learning by watching Researcher Bias – A tendency for researchers to engage in behaviors and selectively notice evidence that supports their hypotheses or expectations Objective – less biased view point Mosquito Researcher

Observation and Bias Cont’d Participant Bias – a tendency for research participants to respond in a certain way because they know they are being observed, or they believe they know what the researcher wants Naturalistic Observation – a technique in which the observer makes no attempt to manipulate or control the situation

Ethics There are ethical considerations with all research, but especially when participants are human Most research takes place on a college campus, and are screened by ethics committees in advance The American Psychological Association created ethical guidelines in 1993

4 Ethical Principles Informed Consent – Participants must be informed about the research and any potential risks involved. Participants have the right to refuse at any time The right to be protected from harm and discomfort – Researchers may conduct studies that involve harm and discomfort, only under certain circumstances, and participants informed consent The Stanford Prison Experiment

4 Ethical Principles Cont’d The right to confidentiality – researchers must not release data or information about individual participants The right to debriefing – Participants must receive a full explanation of the research when their involvement is done. This is especially important if deception is involved The Milgram Experiment

Why do we use animals for research? Psychologists are interested in animal behavior There are biological and behavioral similarities to humans There is more control over animal experiments Unethical procedures on humans, may be ethical on animals

Chocolate Covered Bacon Good or Bad Idea? Chocolate Covered Bacon

Just cause this is funny