Abnormal Psychology

168 CHAPTER 5

psychologists have developed ethical guidelines for research, which are part of the

overall ethical code for psychologists. For instance, before someone participates

in a study, the investigator must provide information de-

scribing the study, as outlined in Table 5.2. If a person

decides to participate after reading the information, he

or she signs an informed consent form. By signing, the

person acknowledges that he or she understands what is

involved in the study and agrees to participate, knowing

that he or she can withdraw from the study at any point

(American Psychological Association, 2002).

Another ethical guideline for research is that inves-

tigators must debrief participants after a study is over.

They must ask each participant about his or her expe-

rience, particularly about any negative aspects of the

experience (in part so that the study can be adjusted

to minimize possible negative experiences for future

participants). Investigators must also clear up any mis-

conceptions that the participant may have about the

study (American Psychological Association, 2002).

In addition, agencies that fund research on psycho-

pathology and treatment require that the study be re-

viewed and approved by an institutional review board (IRB) in the setting that hosts

the study (e.g., hospital, university, or clinic). The IRB is composed of scientists, cli-

nicians, and members of the community at large. The board evaluates each study’s

possible risks and benefi ts, and then decides whether the study should be approved.

This serves as another check on any ethical issues that might arise while a study is

being conducted or afterward.

Key Concepts and Facts About Using the Scientifi c Method to Understand Abnormality

• Researchers use the scientifi c method to understand and study
  psychopathology. In doing so, they observe relevant phenom-
  ena, identify a question to be answered, develop a hypothesis
  that might answer the question, collect new observations to test
  the hypothesis, draw on the evidence to formulate a reasonable
  theory, and test the theory.


• When conducting experiments, researchers systematically ma-
  nipulate one or more independent variables (changing one at
  a time) and observe possible changes in one or more depen-
  dent variables. Researchers examine the possible contribution
  of confounds by using control groups or control conditions.
  To minimize unintentional bias, they randomly assign partici-
  pants to groups. In addition, stimulus items are chosen to as-
  sess the relevant variables, and confounding characteristics
  are eliminated. Experiments should have both internal and
  external validity.


• Researchers may use a quasi-experimental design when random
  assignment is not ethical, desirable, or possible.


• Correlational research is used when independent variables
  cannot or should not be manipulated. Such studies allow re-
  searchers to investigate the relationship between two variables,

specifi cally, whether a change in one variable is associated with

a change in the other. However, a correlation does not imply

causation; it only indicates that the two variables are related.

The strength of the relationship is quantifi ed by the correlation

coeffi cient, r, which can range from –1 to +1, with a higher ab-

solute value indicating a stronger relationship. Statistical sig-

nifi cance indicates that the obtained measurement is greater

than would be expected by chance alone. Longitudinal studies

of psychopathology often use correlational data.

• Case studies allow a clinician or researcher to examine one indi-
  vidual in detail. Single-participant experiments (often using an
  ABAB design) provide information about how one variable af-
  fects another. However, information from a particular case may
  not generalize to others.


• Meta-analysis allows researchers to aggregate the results of a
  number of related studies in order to determine the relations
  among certain variables.


• Psychologists have developed an ethical code of conduct that
  lays out guidelines for research, including the requirements
  that informed consent must be obtained from participants
  and that participants must be debriefed after a study is over.

Table 5.2 • Information Provided for

Obtaining Informed Consent in

scr

dec

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inv

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(Am

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Th

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When obtaining informed consent from participants, a researcher must give

participants the following information:

(1) the purpose of the research, expected duration, and procedures;

(2) their right to decline to participate and to withdraw from the research once

participation has begun;

(3) the foreseeable consequences of declining or withdrawing;

(4) reasonably foreseeable factors that may be expected to infl uence their

willingness to participate such as potential risks, discomfort, or adverse

effects;

(5) any prospective research benefi ts;

(6) limits of confi dentiality;

(7) incentives for participation; and

(8) whom to contact for questions about the research and research

participants’ rights.

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