Synthesis Paper Essays - Research Methods, Scientific Method

Synthesis Paper Liberty University Psychology 255 Information learned about research at the introductory level of this course: Throughout this course there has been much valuable information that has been learned. Within the scope of the course one of the things that have been learned is that in research there are a great many different approaches that can be used. Research is very important because while some research is completed just for the purpose of gaining knowledge, more often than not research is used to provide future help in cases that present similar circumstances and symptoms. Another factor in regards to research that was learned, that is important to know as a Christian is that research and the researchers themselves are held to a high standard of quality. Researchers have to abide by a code of ethics. What this means is that the research results that they present at the completion of their research must be true and accurate, as well as be able to be replicated. As a Christian this information is re-assuring to know that the results found are true and actual facts that can be relied upon, and are not something that has been made up. Within the Cozby and Bates text the authors point out that when performing a particular research project, the researcher should make sure that each potential participant is well informed on the type of research that they are involving themselves in. Meaning that each individual should be provided with all of the important information about said experiment, that way they are able to make informed decisions if they would choose to participate in the study. (Cozby & Bates, 2012 p.44) In regards to the research, this means that the researcher is to be upfront with all information that pertains to the study as well as the participant. If a researcher were to withhold any kind of key information that is important to the study from those that may be participating, this is deemed as deception. The text describes deception as misrepresentation of information. (Cozby & Bates, 2012 p. 46) In one of the first discussion boards the class compared scripture to the code of ethics that researchers have to abide by. One of the principles that stood out for this student was standard three, Human relations, 3.01 Unfair Discrimination. This particular ethical principle states that "In their work-related activities, psychologists do not engage in unfair discrimination based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status or any basis proscribed by law." This ethical principle of Psychologists Code of Conduct coincides with several scripture throughout the bible. The Bible gives many different examples of the way God expects us to show fair treatment of others, as well as how we should treat people regardless of their station in live. In Galatians 3:28 the scripture says "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Another verse in the bible that deals with Unfair Discrimination is James 2:2-4 which states "For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" Within the course it has also been learned that there are a wide variety of methods that can be used to be able to gain the information that a researcher is attempting to attain, to gain knowledge on this particular topic throughout the duration of the research study. Each of these research methods are important in their own ways. These approaches are used in different sets of circumstances according to which approach would work best for that particular situation. Two of these methods that were gleaned from this course that this student hadnt been aware of prior to this course are the concepts of qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative Research