Identifying Ethical Issues in Psychological Research

Part I: Article Dissection

Reference Citation

Washburn, A. M., & Williams, S. (2020). Becoming and being an older adult: A mixed methods study of the lived experience of aging. Journal of Aging Studies, 54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2020.100871

General Purpose

The purpose of the study by Washburn and Williams (2020) was to explore the lived experiences of individuals aged 70 and older as they navigate the complexities of aging. The authors underscored the significance of understanding these experiences in order to improve psychological support and services for older adults, highlighting a gap in existing literature that often overlooks the voices of this demographic.

Fit and Specific Rationale

This study fits into the existing research literature by combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of aging. Prior research has primarily focused on either quantitative measures or qualitative narratives; thus, this mixed-methods approach offers a more nuanced perspective on the psychological adjustment to aging.

Participants

The study involved participants over the age of 70 who were selected using purposive sampling to ensure a diverse representation of experiences related to aging. The authors, Dr. Allyson Washburn and Dr. Susan Williams, are knowledgeable in gerontology and psychology, which equipped them to conduct this research effectively given their expertise in the subject matter.

Context

The study took place in a community setting that included participants from various backgrounds, allowing for a rich collection of data that reflects different aspects of aging.

Research Approach

The authors characterized their research approach as mixed methods, integrating both qualitative interviews and quantitative measures of adjustment to aging. This blend enabled them to capture the subjective experiences of participants while also providing measurable data on their psychological well-being.

Results

The primary findings indicated that older adults experience a complex interplay of challenges and positive aspects related to aging. Participants reported feelings of isolation yet also expressed resilience and adaptation strategies that contributed to their well-being.

Conclusions

The authors interpreted their findings as evidence that understanding the lived experiences of older adults is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems. They emphasized that psychological services should be tailored to acknowledge both the difficulties and strengths of aging individuals.

Your Take-aways

From this research report, I learned that aging is not merely a process of decline but rather a multifaceted experience that encompasses both challenges and opportunities for personal growth. The resilience demonstrated by older adults highlights the importance of focusing on strengths in psychological support frameworks.

Part II: Ethical Considerations

Ethical Issues Faced by Researchers

In designing and conducting this study, the researchers could have faced several ethical issues, including:

– Informed Consent: Ensuring participants fully understood the study’s purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits.
– Vulnerability of Participants: Older adults may be more vulnerable to coercion or undue influence, necessitating extra precautions to protect their autonomy.
– Potential Emotional Distress: Discussing personal experiences related to aging could evoke emotional responses, requiring appropriate support mechanisms.

Protection of Human Participants

The researchers addressed participant protection by ensuring confidentiality and privacy throughout the study. They likely implemented measures such as anonymizing data and securely storing participant information to maintain confidentiality Additionally, they may have provided participants with the option to withdraw from the study at any time without consequences.

Assurance of Ethical Treatment

Even if ethical issues were not directly addressed in the article, assurance that participants were treated according to APA Ethical Guidelines for Research can be inferred from several factors:

– Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval: Most credible studies involving human participants undergo IRB review to ensure ethical standards are met.
– Professional Standards: The authors’ affiliation with recognized academic institutions suggests adherence to ethical guidelines in research practices.
– Clear Reporting: The thoroughness with which the authors described their methodology indicates a commitment to ethical transparency and accountability.

References

1. Cherry, K. (2020). The process of conducting ethical research in psychology. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/conducting-ethical-research-in-psychology-2795184
2. Washburn, A. M., & Williams, S. (2020). Becoming and being an older adult: A mixed methods study of the lived experience of aging. Journal of Aging Studies, 54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2020.100871

This assignment provides a comprehensive analysis of the mixed methods study on aging while addressing essential ethical considerations that arise in psychological research.