Ethical Research For Social Change

Consider the research articles you have read throughout this course and the themes and topics that were explored. Many of articles are descriptions of seminal research that contributed to the development of key theories in psychology, some were conducted to advance knowledge in the field, and many had positive social change implications.

In this week’s discussion, you will be an agent for positive social change and describe a study you would like to conduct that could improve people’s lives. In your post, do not worry about accurately describing the design or methodology of your study; focus instead on what you would like to learn more about and what kinds of participants you would include in your study. Here is an example of the beginning of a discussion post describing a study and its participants:

I would like to conduct a study that examines the characteristics that contribute to adolescent texting while driving. My participants would be adolescents who are of driving age, male or female, anywhere in the United States, any culture, any socioeconomic level.

The rest of the post would include a description of an ethical consideration and the positive social change implications of the study.

To Prepare

• Review this week’s Learning Resources on conducting ethical research and promoting social change
• Think of a study you would like to conduct that has implications for positive social change.
• Identify at least one ethical guideline that you would need to consider as part of your research

Post a response to the following:

Briefly describe the study you would like to conduct, including the characteristics of the participants in your sample (e.g., age, gender, race/ethnicity, any special characteristics such as disability, sexual orientation, employment or education). Describe the ethical guideline you identified and explain why the guideline is necessary to consider as part of your study. Finally, explain how your study would contribute to positive social change. Be specific.