Research Ethics and Methods in Psychological Studies: Case Analysis and Approaches

Question 1: Ethical issues in research (500 words)

A pharmaceutical manufacturer wants to conduct a study to assess the effectiveness of a new non-prescription anxiety relief tablet Fast Relief for chronic anxiety sufferers.

They will randomly assign 40 volunteers with chronic anxiety to Group A or Group B. Group A will receive the Fast Relief tablets and Group B will receive placebo pills. This will be conducted as a single-blind study, meaning participants will not know which group they have been allocated to, but the research assistants administering the tablets will know which group is receiving Fast Relief and which is receiving placebo tablets.

It is predicted that those who receive the Fast Relief tablets will have lower levels of anxiety than those who receive placebo pills after 2 weeks.

Answer the following:

Question 1

(a) What is/are the independent variable(s) in this study? 1 mark

(b) What is/are the dependent variable(s) in this study? 1 mark

(c) What data would allow the investigator to check that the independent variable(s) have achieved their intended manipulation? 2 marks

(d) Why is it important for the research team to submit a research proposal for ethical review before commencing this research? 2 marks

(e) What are TWO key ethical considerations in this experiment and how might these be addressed? 4 marks

Question 2. The scientific method and measurement concepts (500 words)

The scientific method is characterised by an empirical approach. Key concepts include operational definitions of constructs, reliable and valid measures, and testable hypotheses.

Answer the following:

Choose two psychological concepts you think could be related (correlated) to each other e.g., boredom and binge watching (Do not use this example yourself).

(a) Provide a conceptual definition for each concept and write a brief rationale that describes why you think the two variables might be related. 2 marks

(b) State a hypothesis that flows from your rationale and includes both constructs. 2 marks

(c) Provide an operational definition for the constructs you chose. How would you measure these variables? You can use established measures. 2 marks

(d) Using the operational definitions and measures you provided, list and discuss:

a. two types of reliability 2 marks

b. two types of validity 2 marks

Explain why you think these are important in this context.

Question 3. Sampling methods (500 words)

Many young Australians face mental health challenges yet are unsure about how to seek treatment. To increase young Australians awareness of their treatment options, a new online
resource was developed that provides information about different treatments and links to mental health providers. The developers want to gather information regarding the design and useability from the perspective of young Australians who used the online resource in the past year.

Answer the following:

(a) Should the developers conduct a qualitative study (interviews) or a quantitative study (survey)? Justify your choice. 2 marks

(b) Which sampling technique do you recommend for this study? Describe this technique in detail in the context of the approach you have chosen in (a). 2 marks

(c) Justify why you chose this sampling technique for this study. 2 marks

(d) Outline the advantages of your chosen technique in the context of this study. 2 marks

(e) Outline the disadvantages of your chosen technique in the context of this study. 2 marks

Question 4. Experimental approaches and the strengths and weaknesses of research designs/methods (500 words)

University is a stressful experience for many students and anxiety is prevalent among university students. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress. Researchers want to conduct a study to test the effectiveness of mindfulness techniques in reducing anxiety among university students.

Using the Decision Making Framework Guidelines from Week 12, answer the following:

(a) What design will be used? Justify why you have chosen this design. 2 marks

(b) Describe the population of interest and sampling approach.2 marks

(c) Outline what participants will do. Include measurements and the procedure to be used. 2 marks

(d) What are the validity concerns? 2 marks

(e) How will you address these validity concerns? 2 marks

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