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Mike Stadler, PhD

This is primarily aimed at first- and second-year undergraduates interested in psychology, ethics in research methods, and quantitative research methods along with high school students and professionals with similar interests.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Learn With PsycLearn Essentials
This module introduces you to your PsycLearn Essentials course. Find out what’s included in this course and how to navigate the modules and lessons. You’ll also learn valuable study tips for successful learning.
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Introduction to Ethics in Psychology
Welcome and Overview
Background and History
Investigate the broad history of ethical concerns in science and the development of ethical codes.
Codes and Enforcement
Understand the functions of research ethics codes and some of the bodies that apply them.
Ethical Standards for Using Nonhuman Animals in Research
Consider the ethical issues involved in the use of nonhuman animals in scientific research.
Ethical Standards for Using Humans in Research
Consider the ethical issues involved in the use of human participants in scientific research.
Analysis and Reporting of Research
Consider the ethical issues that may arise in research even after the data are collected.
Cumulative Check Your Understanding: Case Studies in Research Ethics
Apply what you have learned in some case studies of ethics in research.
Conclusion
Review the course summary.
Course Assessment
Complete the final course quiz.
PsycLearn Essentials APA Student Resources
This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Get discounted access to Academic Writer, APA’s online tool for writing effectively, as well as valuable advice that will help you develop and strengthen your skillset for learning success and future employment. Additionally, explore resources on various psychological issues. This module also includes APA resources on scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA. You can also view videos that offer tips on dealing with stress.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Introduces ethics in science and research to beginning psychology students
Covers ethical uses for animals in research
Covers ethical uses for humans in research
Discusses ethical analysis and reporting of research, which are important skills for researchers
Provides access to APA resources, which can be useful for psychology students and researchers

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ethics of Psychological Research with these activities:
Connect with Psychology Professionals for Mentorship
Establish connections with experienced psychologists to gain insights and guidance in the field.
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  • Attend psychology conferences and events to meet professionals.
  • Reach out to professors, researchers, and clinicians in your field of interest.
  • Request informational interviews to learn about their work and career path.
Organize Course Materials for Effective Learning
Stay organized and prepared by compiling and reviewing course materials.
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  • Create a dedicated folder or notebook for the course.
  • File and organize lecture notes, assignments, and other materials in a logical manner.
  • Review materials regularly to reinforce learning and stay on track.
Review 'Research Methods in Psychology' by Fabio Sani
Review a general introduction to research methods in psychology that will help reinforce learning for the upcoming course in ethics in research methods.
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  • Read each chapter in its entirety, pausing for reflection at the chapter summaries.
  • Take notes, focusing on key concepts, theories, and methods used in psychological research.
  • Define and explain in writing the ethical principles and guidelines discussed in the chapters.
Five other activities
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Review Basic Statistical Concepts
Strengthen your knowledge of statistical concepts to better understand research findings.
Browse courses on Statistics
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  • Review notes or textbooks on basic statistics.
  • Practice solving statistical problems, such as calculating mean, standard deviation, and hypothesis testing.
Practice Solving Ethical Dilemmas in Psychology
Engage in practice activities to strengthen understanding of ethical decision-making in psychological research.
Show steps
  • Identify and analyze ethical dilemmas commonly encountered in psychological research.
  • Apply ethical principles and guidelines to resolve the dilemmas and justify your reasoning.
  • Discuss the implications of ethical decisions for the well-being of research participants and the integrity of the research process.
Develop an Ethical Research Protocol
Draft an ethical research protocol to demonstrate your understanding of ethical considerations in psychological research.
Browse courses on Ethics in Research
Show steps
  • Select a research topic and define the research question.
  • Identify potential ethical issues associated with the research.
  • Develop a plan to address the ethical issues, including obtaining informed consent, protecting confidentiality, and minimizing harm to participants.
  • Write a detailed ethical research protocol outlining the proposed research methods and ethical safeguards.
Create a Podcast Episode on Ethical Issues in Psychology
Produce a podcast episode that explores ethical issues in psychology, enhancing your understanding through creative expression.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific ethical issue in psychology to focus on.
  • Research the issue, gathering information from reputable sources.
  • Develop an outline for the podcast episode, including an introduction, discussion of the ethical issue, and a conclusion.
  • Record the podcast episode, speaking clearly and engagingly.
  • Edit the podcast episode, adding music, sound effects, and any other necessary elements.
Participate in a Research Ethics Review Committee
Engage with a research ethics review committee to gain practical experience in evaluating and approving research proposals.
Browse courses on Ethics in Research
Show steps
  • Identify a research ethics review committee to join.
  • Review research proposals and assess their ethical implications.
  • Participate in discussions and make recommendations on the approval or rejection of research proposals.
  • Stay up-to-date on ethical guidelines and best practices in research.

Career center

Learners who complete Ethics of Psychological Research will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Research Scientist
Research Scientists typically need a doctorate in their field. An Ethics of Psychological Research course may help build a foundation in the ethical dimensions of research design and execution, a valuable asset for any researcher.
Psychologist
Psychologists typically need a doctorate in psychology. An Ethics of Psychological Research course may help build a foundation in the history and development of ethical codes, as well as facilitate an understanding of ethical considerations related to research methods, preparing graduates to work ethically and responsibly.
Research Analyst
Research Analysts typically need a master's degree in a quantitative field. An Ethics of Psychological Research course may help build a foundation in the ethical dimensions of research design and execution, a valuable asset for any researcher.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts typically need a bachelor's degree in a quantitative field. An Ethics of Psychological Research course may help build a foundation in the ethical dimensions of data collection and analysis, a valuable asset for any data professional.
Statistician
Statisticians typically need a master's degree in statistics or a related field. An Ethics of Psychological Research course may help build a foundation in the ethical dimensions of statistical modeling and analysis, a valuable asset for any statistician.
Science Writer
Science Writers typically need a bachelor's degree in science or journalism. An Ethics of Psychological Research course may be useful in helping to understand the ethical dimensions of research and its implications, enabling graduates to communicate scientific findings accurately and responsibly.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts typically need a master's degree in public policy or a related field. An Ethics of Psychological Research course may be useful in helping to understand the ethical dimensions of research and its implications, enabling graduates to develop and evaluate policies that are informed by ethical considerations.
Market Researcher
Market Researchers typically need a bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field. An Ethics of Psychological Research course may be useful in helping to understand the ethical dimensions of research and its implications, enabling graduates to conduct market research ethically and responsibly.
User Experience Researcher
User Experience Researchers typically need a bachelor's degree in human-computer interaction or a related field. An Ethics of Psychological Research course may be useful in helping to understand the ethical dimensions of research and its implications, enabling graduates to conduct user experience research ethically and responsibly.
Human Factors Engineer
Human Factors Engineers typically need a master's degree in human factors engineering or a related field. An Ethics of Psychological Research course may be useful in helping to understand the ethical dimensions of research and its implications, enabling graduates to design and evaluate products and systems that are safe and usable.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers typically need a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. An Ethics of Psychological Research course may be useful in helping to understand the ethical dimensions of research and its implications, enabling graduates to design and develop effective and ethical learning experiences.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers typically need a bachelor's degree in English or a related field. An Ethics of Psychological Research course may be useful in helping to understand the ethical dimensions of research and its implications, enabling graduates to communicate technical information accurately and responsibly.
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic Psychologists typically need a doctorate in psychology. An Ethics of Psychological Research course may help build a foundation in the ethical dimensions of research design and execution, a valuable asset for any forensic psychologist.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists typically need a master's degree in epidemiology or a related field. An Ethics of Psychological Research course may be useful in helping to understand the ethical dimensions of research and its implications, enabling graduates to conduct epidemiological research ethically and responsibly.
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians typically need a master's degree in biostatistics or a related field. An Ethics of Psychological Research course may be useful in helping to understand the ethical dimensions of research and its implications, enabling graduates to conduct biostatistical research ethically and responsibly.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ethics of Psychological Research.
Provides the official code of ethics for psychologists in the United States. It valuable resource for understanding the ethical principles that guide psychological research.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods in psychology. It useful resource for understanding the different types of research designs and methods that are used in psychological research.
Provides a practical guide to the ethical conduct of psychological research. It useful resource for students who are conducting research in psychology.
Provides the ethical principles that guide research involving human participants. It valuable resource for understanding the regulations that govern human subject research.
Provides a philosophical overview of the ethical issues that arise in social science research. It useful resource for understanding the different ethical perspectives that are used to guide research.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical issues that arise in psychology. It useful resource for understanding the different ethical perspectives that are used to guide psychological research.
Provides a philosophical overview of the ethical issues that arise in research with animals. It useful resource for understanding the different ethical perspectives that are used to guide research.

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