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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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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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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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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Reviews summary

Foundational ethics in psychological research

According to students, this course provides a solid and comprehensive foundation in the ethics of psychological research, making complex ethical considerations approachable for beginners. Many learners found the content well-structured and exceptionally clear, which is vital for understanding this critical subject. A particular highlight for a majority of reviewers was the use of engaging case studies, which were instrumental in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. While widely praised for its depth at the introductory level and its relevance to current practices, some experienced professionals noted that the course content might be too basic or slow-paced if they already possess a significant background in research methods.
Supplementary resources from the APA are a significant bonus.
"The APA resources are a fantastic bonus for anyone serious about psychology."
"I appreciated the resources from the APA for career planning. It's a great starting point."
"I found the supplemental APA resources to be very useful for my future studies."
Excellent introduction for new psychology students and high schoolers.
"Highly recommend for aspiring researchers!"
"A solid foundation in psychological research ethics. Good for students starting out."
"Absolutely essential for any psychology student! The breakdown of ethical standards for human and animal research was very clear."
The course is praised for its accessible and logical organization.
"This course was incredibly insightful and well-structured."
"The modules were concise and engaging, and I loved the focus on practical application."
"The material was clear and the quizzes helped reinforce learning."
Case studies are highly effective for applying ethical principles.
"The case studies were particularly helpful in applying ethical principles to real-world scenarios."
"The 'Check Your Understanding' case studies made up for it. Good for students starting out."
"I appreciated the depth without feeling overwhelmed. This really clarified a lot for me."
Some historical sections can feel dry, impacting engagement.
"Sometimes the historical sections felt a bit dry, but the 'Check Your Understanding' case studies made up for it."
"The pace was a bit slow for me, having some prior background."
Experienced learners may find the course too basic or slow-paced.
"It's an OK course. Covers the basics, but I felt some parts could go deeper, especially for a professional."
"Found the course very basic. It didn't offer much new if you've already had an intro to research methods."
"Might be good for high schoolers, but not college level or pros. Expected more from APA."

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.
Show steps
  • 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.
Show steps
  • 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.
Show steps
  • 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Review Basic Statistical Concepts
Strengthen your knowledge of statistical concepts to better understand research findings.
Browse courses on Statistics
Show steps
  • 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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