Research Ethics and Experimental Design

Dr. Swoop continues the virtual lesson series on AP Psychology, focusing on the experimental method. The lesson covers independent, dependent, and confounding variables, and how research design influences conclusions. It also addresses random selection versus random assignment, and ethical considerations in research. The lesson includes a review of previous topics and practical exercises to reinforce understanding.

What is the primary purpose of using control in an experiment?

• To make the experiment more interesting

• To increase the sample size

• To eliminate confounding variables

• To ensure the experiment is ethical

Which research method involves observing participants in their natural environment?

• Survey

• Cross-sectional study

• Case study

• Naturalistic observation

In an experiment, what is the role of the independent variable?

• It is the variable that is observed in its natural setting

• It is the variable that remains constant

• It is the variable that is manipulated by the researcher

• It is the result measured by the researcher

What is a type 1 error in the context of experimental research?

• Failing to detect a true effect

• Detecting an effect that is not actually present

• Using an incorrect research method

• Misinterpreting the results of a survey

How can researchers control for the placebo effect in an experiment?

• By conducting the experiment in a natural setting

• By using a double-blind procedure

• By increasing the sample size

• By using only experienced participants

What is the Hawthorne effect?

• The effect of caffeine on attention

• The tendency for people to perform worse when they are being observed

• The effect of random assignment on experimental results

• The tendency for people to perform better when they are being observed

What is the main ethical concern when using deception in research?

• It may lead to inaccurate results

• It can cause harm to participants

• It requires a larger sample size

• It is difficult to implement

What is informed consent in the context of research ethics?

• Participants are randomly assigned to groups

• Participants are required to complete a survey

• Participants are given all the details of the study before it begins

• Participants are informed about the study after it is completed

Why is debriefing important in research studies?

• It increases the study's validity

• It reduces the cost of the study

• It ensures participants understand the study's purpose

• It helps to recruit more participants

What is the role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in research?

• To fund research projects

• To review and approve research proposals for ethical concerns

• To conduct experiments

• To publish research findings