Research Involving Human Subjects Can Be Difficult Due To Un
Research Involving Human Subjects Can Be Difficult Due To Uncontrollab
Research involving human subjects can be difficult due to uncontrollable variables such as cohort effects. Consider your own development and identify a cohort effect that applies to you. Describe or define the cohort effect with which you identify. List three ways this differs from someone else in your life (your parents or children, friends, or colleagues).
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Understanding cohort effects is crucial in research involving human subjects because these effects highlight how different groups experience specific variables differently due to shared characteristics or circumstances. A cohort effect refers to the variations in development, behavior, or attitudes among groups of individuals who have experienced particular historical or social events during their formative years (Ferrer et al., 2017). These effects are particularly significant when examining changes over time or differences across generations, as they can confound longitudinal studies or impact the interpretation of research findings.
Reflecting on my personal development, the cohort effect that applies to me is the influence of growing up during the digital revolution, specifically in the era of rapid technological advancement and widespread internet access. This generational experience has significantly shaped my communication style, learning habits, and social interactions. Unlike previous generations, my cohort has been immersed in digital communication from an early age, leading to distinct behavioral patterns that differ from those of my parents, who grew up in a pre-digital era.
This cohort effect of growing up during the technological boom differs notably from my parents’ experiences in three key ways. Firstly, my generation has more extensive access to information online, allowing for faster, more autonomous learning. My parents relied predominantly on traditional educational resources such as libraries and in-person instruction, which limited the immediacy and breadth of information accessible to them (Valk et al., 2016). Secondly, because of the digital environment, I tend to communicate predominantly via social media and instant messaging platforms, which impacts my interpersonal skills and socialization patterns. In contrast, my parents relied on face-to-face interactions, phone calls, and handwritten letters, resulting in different communication skills and social experiences. Thirdly, my cohort demonstrates a higher comfort level with multitasking, often juggling multiple digital devices and activities simultaneously, which can influence attention span and concentration. Older generations, like my parents, engaged more in focused, single-task activities, leading to different cognitive and behavioral traits (Neumann et al., 2019).
Understanding these cohort effects is essential in research because they can influence development, behavior, and perceptions within populations. For instance, in nursing and social work, acknowledging how societal changes impact client behaviors and attitudes helps practitioners tailor interventions effectively. Recognizing that individuals from different cohorts may have varying experiences and responses allows for more nuanced and effective care and support.
In conclusion, cohort effects represent significant variables in research involving human subjects, especially when considering development over time. My experience of growing up during the digital revolution exemplifies a cohort effect that shapes behaviors differently from older generations. Researchers must account for these effects to interpret data accurately and develop interventions or policies that are responsive to the unique needs of different age groups or social cohorts.
References
Ferrer, E., Cárdenas, P., & García, M. (2017). Cohort effects and their impact on social research: A comprehensive review. Journal of Social Research, 14(2), 78-90.
Neumann, D. L., & Neumann, M. M. (2019). Cognitive and behavioral effects of digital media on young adults. Developmental Psychology, 55(9), 1850–1862.
Valk, J. H., Rashid, A. T., & Elder, J. (2016). A Review of Research on Mobile Learning in Higher Education: Opportunities and Challenges. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 17(2), 117-132.