Investigators are increasingly turning to the Internet as a method for conducting psychological research. The Social Psychology Network, for example, presents hundreds of research studies posted by professionals in the field, as well as by students interested in specific topics, such as personality, interpersonal relationships, and sexuality. To show how prolific Internet research has become, you can Google the key phrase “online research studies” and will discover nearly over 886 million Websites dedicated to this topic. Of course, a large number of these Websites are not affiliated with a reputable research institution or organization. As such, any findings from these sources must be viewed with caution.
The American Psychological Association (APA) has established a number of ethical guidelines that must be followed when conducting research with human participants. Some of these guidelines, such as informed consent and voluntary participation; the use of deception; and confidentiality of information, are presented in Chapter 1 of your textbook. In addition, you can research ethical guidelines for conducting online research. You can Google the topic or find a short YouTube tutorial on ethics in Internet, or online, research.
Question
1
Based on your findings, are there any special guidelines for conducting online research studies that do not apply to more traditional techniques? If so, list them.
Question
2
Find a free online survey, questionnaire, or test. There are numerous intelligence tests, personality questionnaires, and vocational surveys from which to choose. Some may require you to provide demographic information and your e-mail address, but many free options are available if you spend some time looking. Make sure to pick a survey, questionnaire, or test that you would feel comfortable sharing with your instructor and/or the class. What is the URL (Website address) for the survey, questionnaire, or test you reviewed?
Find a free online survey, questionnaire, or test. There are numerous intelligence tests, personality questionnaires, and vocational surveys from which to choose. Some may require you to provide demographic information and your e-mail address, but many free options are available if you spend some time looking. Make sure to pick a survey, questionnaire, or test that you would feel comfortable sharing with your instructor and/or the class. What is the URL (Website address) for the survey, questionnaire, or test you reviewed?
Question
3
Describe the online activity that you completed. What was the focus of the survey/questionnaire/test? What information were you required to provide? What information did you learn about yourself? Do you agree or disagree with the findings? Why or why not?
Question
4
Assume that you completed the online activity as part of an actual research study. Based on the information presented in your textbook, as well as your research on ethical guidelines in online research, what special ethical concerns might arise in your study? Be specific and provide examples from the survey/questionnaire/test that you completed.
Question
5
Select one of the following well-known experiments: Zimbardo’s prison experiment, Milgram’s study on obedience, or the “Little Albert” experiment. You can watch segments of these experiments on YouTube. After watching the video, identify ethical issues that apply to the experiments.
Select one of the following well-known experiments: Zimbardo’s prison experiment, Milgram’s study on obedience, or the “Little Albert” experiment. You can watch segments of these experiments on YouTube. After watching the video, identify ethical issues that apply to the experiments.
Question
6
Regarding the ethical guideline—confidentiality of information—psychologists cannot disclose ________ in their writings, lectures, or other publications.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Regarding the ethical guideline—confidentiality of information—psychologists cannot disclose ________ in their writings, lectures, or other publications.
Question
7
James is a student in an introductory psychology course. His professor is offering extra credit to students who participate in a study about risk-taking among college students. James is uncomfortable with the study and does not want to participate. However, he is concerned that his grade will suffer if he refuses to participate. Based on research presented in your textbook, you can tell James that he
A.
B.
C.
D.
James is a student in an introductory psychology course. His professor is offering extra credit to students who participate in a study about risk-taking among college students. James is uncomfortable with the study and does not want to participate. However, he is concerned that his grade will suffer if he refuses to participate. Based on research presented in your textbook, you can tell James that he
Question
8
About how many Websites are devoted to online research?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Question
9
List four of the five ethical guidelines proposed by the American Psychological Association. You are free to choose any of the four principles presented in your textbook.
Informed consent and voluntary participation Students as research participants The use of deception Confidentiality of information Information about the study and debriefing