Social Psychology Research Methods: Hypotheses, Ethics, Practical Set Up

Question 1

what was Milgram (1963), Burger (2009), Sherif (1954/1961) research aim?

Answer 1

• Milgram (1963): to investigate if other ethnicities were different to the Germans when having to obey to an instruction
• Burger (2009): to investigate if empathetic concern and desire for personal control affect obedience or to investigate if milgram’s study was era bound
• Sherif (1954/1961): to investigate if competition effect prejudice

Question 2

what is a hypotheses?

Answer 2

testable predictions about what you expect to find after analysing data from your participants

Question 3

what is an alternative hypothesis? give example

Answer 3

There is a relationship between the two variables being studied
(one variable has an effect on the other).

It states that the results are not due to chance and that they are significant in terms of supporting the theory being investigated.

e.g.
- burger: Participants in 2009 would display less obedience in tasks as compared to Milgram’s participants
- sherif: participants in the study will display prejudice if there is intergroup competition

Question 4

what is a null hypothesis? give example

Answer 4

There is no relationship between the two variables being studied (one variable does not affect the other).

It states results are due to chance and are not significant in terms of supporting the idea being investigated.

e.g.
- burger: Participants in 2009 will display no differences in obedience tasks as compared to Milgram’s participants.
- sherif: participants in the study will not display prejudice if there is inter group competition

Question 5

Research ethics: respect

Answer 5

Psychologists value the dignity and worth of all persons, with particular regard to people’s rights including those of privacy and self-determination.

• Consent: Obtain informed consent, ensuring participants understand the research and restricting observations to public settings where people expect to be seen.
• Deception: Minimise deception, using it only when necessary and disclosing it to participants as soon as possible, while considering safeguards for their well-being.
• Withdrawal: Clearly inform participants of their right to withdraw at any time, ensuring any identifying data is destroyed upon withdrawal.
• Inform participants their right to withdraw at any time is not affected by the receipt or offer of any financial compensation or other inducements for participation

Question 6

Research ethics: competence

Answer 6

Psychologists value the continuing development and maintenance of high standards of competence in their professional work, and the importance of preserving their ability to function optimally within the recognised limits of their knowledge, skill, training, education, and experience

Question 7

Research ethics: responsibility

Answer 7

Psychologists value their responsibilities to clients, to the general public, and to the profession and science of Psychology, including the avoidance of harm and the prevention of misuse or abuse of their contributions to society.

• Harm: Avoid harming clients. Eliminate potential risks to psychological well-being, physical health, personal values, or dignity. Ask research participants about factors that might reasonably lead to risk of harm, and inform research participants of any action they should take to minimise such risks.
• Refrain from using financial compensation or other inducements for research participants to risk harm beyond that which they face in their normal lifestyles.
• Debrief: Debrief research participants at the end of the research, in order to inform them of the outcomes and nature of the research, to identify any unforeseen harm, discomfort, or misconceptions, and in order to arrange for assistance as needed.
• Take particular care when discussing outcomes with research participants, as seemingly evaluative statements may carry unintended weight

Question 8

Research ethics: integrity

Answer 8

Psychologists value honesty, accuracy, clarity, and fairness in their interactions with all persons, and seek to promote integrity in all facets of their scientific and professional endeavors.

• Be honest and accurate in conveying professional conclusions, opinions, and research findings, and in acknowledging the potential limitations.
• Avoid forming relationships that may impair professional objectivity or otherwise lead to exploitation of, or conflicts of interest with, a client.

Question 9

what is a risk assessment?

Answer 9

Risk assessment refers to identifying the potential physical or psychological harm to participants during a research study (an ethical issue).

There are a large number of potential risks this means that risk management involves weighing up the balance of long-term gains versus short term risks to participants.

Question 10

what is the research ethics committee

Answer 10

Such arguments are presented to a committee who decides whether the risks are justified. They may then suggest improvements to the ethics of the study.

This committee would be formed of professionals working in the same field and serves as an advisory body for the research