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Imagine you are planning a research study to evaluate a new cognitive training program for older adults. Describe one concrete ethical decision you must make during the initial planning phase before you begin recruiting participants, and one concrete ethical decision you must make after you have finished analyzing the data.
Question: Imagine you are planning a research study to evaluate a new cognitive training program for older adults. Describe one concrete ethical decision you must make during the initial planning phase before you begin recruiting participants, and one concrete ethical decision you must make after you have finished analyzing the data.
Sample answer: During the planning phase, I must decide on the design of the study, such as how to establish a control group fairly and secure informed consent processes for vulnerable populations. After analyzing the data, I must make decisions regarding the publication process, ensuring that I report all results accurately (including any null or negative findings) and securely archive or destroy participant identifiers to protect their privacy.
Key points:
- Apply ethical principles to make a concrete decision during the study design or planning phase.
- Apply ethical principles to make a concrete decision during the publication or post-study phase.
- Show a clear link between the decisions and the specific research methods choices involved.
Rubric: The answer should describe a concrete, research-methods-related ethical decision for the planning phase (e.g., selection of control group, informed consent design, minimizing harm) and a concrete ethical decision for the post-analysis/publication/post-study phase (e.g., avoiding selective reporting, sharing de-identified data, protecting long-term participant privacy).
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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Imagine you are planning a research study to evaluate a new cognitive training program for older adults. Describe one concrete ethical decision you must make during the initial planning phase before you begin recruiting participants, and one concrete ethical decision you must make after you have finished analyzing the data.