PSYC-6215 Discussion: Research and Ethics in Psychology essay example

PSYC-6215 Discussion: Research and Ethics in Psychology essay example

Developmental psychology seeks to understand how cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development occurs throughout a person’s life. To comprehend how factors like maternal stress during pregnancy might affect a child’s future, researchers may study pregnant women and children. However, some individuals are considered vulnerable in research, like pregnant women, newborns, children, cognitively impaired individuals, incarcerated individuals, and older adults. Special attention and protection are needed when conducting research involving these vulnerable populations.

Conducting research in developmental psychology, especially with vulnerable populations, involves unique ethical considerations. Vulnerable groups require additional care to safeguard their rights because some individuals might not have the capacity to provide informed consent, could have limited free will, or may be vulnerable in terms of their physical or mental well-being. As you approach this Discussion, consider how ethical concerns influence the nature of research that can be conducted.

In this Discussion, you will explore the role of ethics in developmental psychology research, particularly concerning vulnerable populations.

To prepare for this Discussion:

1. Review the example of a Discussion post and response provided in this week’s Learning Resources, along with the Discussion Rubric to understand the expectations.

2. Examine the Learning Resources related to ethics and research in developmental psychology.

3. Select a population from the following options:
– Children
– Pregnant women
– Geriatric individuals
– Individuals with cognitive disabilities
– Adolescents

By Day 4:

Post an explanation of the role of ethics in developmental psychology research, focusing on the characteristics of the vulnerable population you selected. Be specific in your post and use the Learning Resources to support your argument. Employ proper APA format and citations to back your explanation.

By Day 6:

Respond to a post from at least one of your colleagues who chose a different population from the one you selected in your Discussion post. Add an additional ethical consideration to the discussion.

Return to this Discussion after a few days to read your initial post’s responses and answer any questions. Reflect on what you’ve learned and any insights you’ve gained from your colleagues’ comments.

Nursing Staffing Essay – The Application of Data to Problem-Solving Discussion

Ethical issues arise when studying human behavior because there’s a potential for people to be exploited (Berk, 2018). This concern is more prevalent when dealing with vulnerable populations, such as individuals with cognitive disabilities.

When conducting developmental research involving individuals with cognitive disabilities, it’s crucial to recognize their vulnerability. Even though they may be over the age of 18, most lack the intellectual capacity to comprehend the intricacies of developmental research studies. Obtaining informed consent from individuals with cognitive disabilities is exceptionally challenging due to their limited ability to understand the research details.

Moreover, it’s essential to consider how the research might impact the well-being of these individuals, both mentally and physically. Researchers must ensure that participation does not harm them, and if there are potential risks, these should be minimized.

The selection of appropriate communication methods and materials is also vital to ensure that individuals with cognitive disabilities can provide some form of assent or consent. Researchers may need to collaborate with advocates, guardians, or family members to make informed decisions on behalf of these individuals.

Furthermore, ethical oversight and review by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations in research. IRBs assess the research’s ethical aspects, particularly when vulnerable groups are involved, to ensure that the research is conducted ethically and in compliance with established ethical guidelines.

References:

Berk, L. E. (2018). Development through the lifespan (7th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.