Benchmark- Social Psychology
This assignment has two parts, the first part will require an exploration of the Social Psychology Network and the second part will require an examination of the research.
Part 1:
Choose one study from the Social Psychology Network website.
https://www.socialpsychology.org/
To access the online research:
Look under the header on the left side of the page labeled “Social Psychology Pages.”
Click on the link labeled “Online Psychology Studies”
Participate in a study
In 750-1,000 words, review research related to the topic area of the study chosen (some articles can be found in the Social Psychology Network site, others will require outside research). Identify the type of research (survey, experiment, etc.) used with the study and evaluate the appropriateness of that methodology. Summarize the advantages and disadvantages of using an Internet site as a means of collecting data in psychological research. Elaborate on any potential confounds or ethical concerns noted while participating in the study.
Use three to five scholarly sources in addition to the social psychology website, your textbook can be used as one of the resources.
Sample Answer
Adolescent Behaviors
Adolescence is a vital developmental stage that is characterized by physiological and biological changes. Behaviorally, adolescence is associated with boundary testing behavior and volatile emotions as individuals try to assert their identity (Jaworska & MacQueen, 2015). The boundary-testing behavior and volatile emotions that are seen in adolescence also help in learning to navigate peer relationships and transitioning to independence (Branscombe & Baron, 2016). Some of the most stereotypes of Adolescent behavior portrayed in different media channels include abuse of drugs, decision-making dilemmas, and sexual interest and behavior. Harrington’s (2021) study aims to develop a rating scale to measure specific types of common adolescent behaviors.
Type of Research Used In the Study
The type of research used in the Harrington (2021) study relating to adolescent behaviors is the survey research method. The survey research method entails conducting research using surveys that researchers send to the survey respondents (Ponto, 2015). In Harrington’s (2021), study the researchers have published the survey questions on the social psychology website. The data collected from surveys is then analyzed statistically to come up with meaningful research contributions. An online survey such as the one utilized in Harrington (2021) is one of the most popular surveys research methods today. This is because the costs involved in online surveys are incredibly minimal, with highly accurate data being collected (Ponto, 2015). The utilization of the survey research method has many benefits, including minimum investment. Therefore, the use of the internet has made it easy for researchers to reach respondents in conducting surveys with fewer incentives needed.
On the other hand, the survey research method, such as the online survey method, provides an excellent opportunity for versatile sources to obtain the responses (Ponto, 2015). For instance, in Harrington’s (2021) adolescent behavior study, the researcher invites responses from diverse participants across the world. Therefore, the various responses that such a researcher will get from their research will make their study results more reliable.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using an Internet Site as a Means of Collecting Data in Psychological Research
The use of the internet to collect data for psychological research studies has numerous advantages and disadvantages. One of the main advantages of using an internet site to collect data for psychological research is the minimum costs. As no paper will be needed, online surveys are cheap, with the researcher requiring to contact his target audience through email and other means (Nayak et al., 2019). Psychological research conducted over the internet can also reach a broad set of target participants compared to research conducted physically. Online psychological research also promotes convenience because the target participants are met through different online channels. This encourages greater participation in research studies (Rice et al., 2017). Using internet sites as means of collecting data for psychological research also leverages data automation which lessens the work of data analysis for researchers. Finally, the use of internet sites for psychological research supports flexible designs as countless question types and formats can be presented to respondents so as to collect the correct data (Nayak et al., 2019).
On the other hand, the use of internet sites as means of collecting data for psychological research has some disadvantages, including the use of poorly chosen distribution channels which can lead to low response rates and other potential issues. The use of poorly chosen distribution channels can also lead to more inadequate responses (Andrade, 2020). Another drawback in the use of internet sites as a means of collecting psychological research data is the high rate of abandonment as both participants are less likely to remain fully engaged in a survey for a long time. On the other hand, repeated requests to complete a survey can be viewed as annoying by participants and can backfire against a researcher (Andrade, 2020). Finally, unless identification verification tools are used before a participant fills in a survey on an internet site, it might be impossible to know if the sample providing answers are different people or the same person making multiple responses or even robots invading a survey(Andrade, 2020). The use of internet sites to conduct psychological research can also make it difficult to reach specific types of participants, such as participants that may not have internet access (Andrade, 2020).v
