Module 4 Research Challenges: Exploring the Process Chapter 1 - Pages Essentials of Understanding Psychology- Sixth Edition PSY110 Psychology © Richard Goldman Rev. August 8, 2007

Ethics of Research Participants Rights (APA 2002 Guidelines)  Protect from physical and mental harm  Protect privacy  Completely voluntary  Informed before experiment Approved by independent panel Signed informed consent document  Voluntary  May quit at any time Some deception may be allowed Debriefing normally required  Explanation of study  Procedure used

Diversity Bias in Research Most psychological research has been conducted on college students  Young  Above average intelligence  White  Affluent  Flexible attitudes New funding requirement require that diversity issue be addressed in research.

Should Animals be Used in Research? Animal experiments may be used to study behaviors and processes that are similar in other species. Animal research requires similar approval and guidelines to protect animal subjects. Has added much to the understanding and treatment of human disorders. Still a controversial moral issue. (especially research on highly intellellegent animals (primates, dolphins, etc.) and pets (dogs & cats).

Threats to Experiment Validity: Experimenter and Participant Expectations Experimental Bias  Experimenter Expectation  Participant Expectation Placebo – false treatment, drug, etc. Double-blind procedure  Participant nor Experimenter know which pills are real or placebo