Ethics and research methods are fundamental components of psychological research. They ensure that studies are conducted responsibly, respecting the rights and well-being of participants, and that the methods used are scientifically sound. This study note document delves into the ethical approaches and research methods in psychology, with a particular focus on the International Baccalaureate (IB) syllabus.
Ethics in psychology is about determining what is right and wrong in the conduct of research. Several ethical approaches guide researchers in making these determinations:
Virtue ethics focuses on the character of the individual and the virtues they embody. It emphasizes moral character over rules or consequences.
Example
For instance, a researcher might ensure that participants are fully informed about the study's nature and purpose, even if it means some might choose not to participate.
Consequentialist ethics, particularly utilitarianism, evaluates the morality of an action based on its outcomes.
Common Mistake
A common misconception is that consequentialist ethics allows for any action as long as the outcome is good. However, ethical guidelines in research ensure that participants' rights are not violated, regardless of the potential benefits.
Rights-based ethics focuses on the rights of individuals.
Note
The IB syllabus emphasizes the importance of informed consent, confidentiality, and the right to withdraw as fundamental rights in psychological research.
Ethical frameworks provide structured approaches to resolving ethical dilemmas in research.
Example
In psychological research, participants might be seen as having intrinsic value (their well-being is important in itself) and instrumental value (their participation is crucial for the research outcomes).
Field experiments are conducted in real-world settings as opposed to the controlled environment of a laboratory. They offer high ecological validity but can be challenging to control for extraneous variables.
Example
A field experiment might involve observing the behavior of individuals in a shopping mall to study consumer behavior.
Social desirability bias occurs when participants respond in a manner they believe is socially acceptable rather than how they truly feel or behave.
Tip
To minimize social desirability bias, researchers can use anonymous surveys or emphasize the importance of honest responses.
The emic approach investigates behavior from within a specific culture, using terms and concepts meaningful to that culture.
Note
The emic approach is valuable for understanding cultural-specific behaviors and avoiding ethnocentrism.
The etic approach studies behavior from outside a specific culture, applying universal concepts and theories.
If you use the terms ‘etic’ and/or ‘emic’ in an exam, remember that ‘etic’ sounds like ‘ethnocentric,’ which can help you keep their meanings straight.
Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) emphasizes the role of observational learning, imitation, and modeling in behavior acquisition.
When discussing Social Cognitive Theory in exams, use key terms like reciprocal determinism, self-efficacy, and vicarious reinforcement to strengthen your responses.
Ethics and research methods are crucial in psychology, ensuring that studies are conducted responsibly and yield valid, reliable results. By understanding and applying ethical approaches and research methods, psychologists can contribute valuable knowledge while respecting the rights and dignity of participants.