Methods and Ethics of Psychological Experiments: Assessing and Demonstrating Understanding

Methods and Ethics of Psychological Experiments: Assessing and Demonstrating Understanding

Question

Scope of research methods in psychology

Evaluate and demonstrate an understanding of the methods and ethics of psychological experiments

When conducting research, great care must be taken to ensure that the research is conducted according to appropriate guidelines and does not cause harm to participants or the environment. Following certain guidelines and taking precautions is called ethics, and conducting research using such methods is called ethical research. In the UK, the British Psychological Society maintains such ethical guidelines. The main priority when creating such a policy is to protect the reputation of the British Psychological Society.

The scope of research in psychology typically focuses on the behavior of living organisms in a broader sense. However, these behaviors may be relevant to abnormal psychology, health science psychology, cognitive psychology, psychology related to comparative studies, and social psychology.

Additionally, research methods are available to conduct laboratory or field experiments in psychology. The research methods used when conducting laboratory research are based on a controlled environment with correct and accurate measurements of the required materials and appropriate objectives. Furthermore, the process of laboratory experiments is standardized. Field experiments, on the other hand, are conducted regularly over a period of time using artificial settings. However, field experiments involve real-world subjects, and multiple manipulations predominate in such cases (Smith., 2015).

Research in the field of psychology begins with case studies, specific behavioral investigations, and observations based on laboratory and naturalistic experiments. However, by establishing his GRAVE model of generalizability, reliability, applicability, feasibility, and ethicality, research in the field of psychology can begin (Reavey., 2012) .

Generalizability defines that the sample selected from the community population for study truly represents the community.

Reliability indicates that the methods used to complete the study are consistent enough that repeating the experiment can be considered again. The application demonstrates the practical and real-world benefits of the research conducted. This shows that anyone can repeat and verify the study if they follow the steps.

Research validity indicates the relevance of the research and the data collected for its evaluation, thus proving that the research conducted is genuine.

Finally, ethics ensures the well-being of all participants involved in research.

Ethical guidelines are created to specify specific elements required for a field of research. Working ethically ensures that: We openly discuss intellectual property, make individuals aware of their and their colleagues’ roles, and adhere to norms such as animal welfare laws and other environmental protection measures when conducting research.

Additionally, confidentiality, professional work, and privacy during the research up to publication are guaranteed and specific ethics for proofreading to ensure that the process was carried out ethically without violating any norms or guidelines. resources are secured (Wasserman., 2013).

Conclusion

Therefore, this article covers the range of possible studies in the field of psychology and also shows how to properly manage it with the help of his GRAVE theory.

Additionally, this article focuses on ethical guidelines that you can follow and strive to comply with the policies of your governing body.

References

Levy, P. ed., 2012. Visual methods in psychology: The use and interpretation of images in qualitative research. Routledge.

Smith, J.A., ed., 2015. Qualitative Psychology: A Practical Guide to Research Methods. Sage.

Wasserman, R., 2013. Ethical issues and guidelines for conducting data analysis in psychological research. Ethics and Behavior, 23(1), pp. 3-15.