To Test The Extent To Which People May Try To Save Face ✓ Solved
To test the extent to which people may try to save face
In this assignment, we will address two research topics involving ethical considerations in communication research. The first topic investigates how individuals express uninformed attitudes about a fictitious issue, while the second involves students providing responses to questionnaires for a dissertation. Each section will cover brief descriptions of the topics, research parameters, possible ethical considerations, ways to conduct the studies ethically, and debriefing methods for participants.
Research Topic A: Attitudes on a Fictitious Issue
1. Briefly Describe the Topic
This research examines the phenomenon of "saving face," whereby individuals may express opinions on topics they know little about to maintain a positive self-image or conform to social norms. Participants will be presented with a fictitious issue and asked to provide their attitudes toward it.
2. Explain the Research Parameters
The study will involve a sample of participants from a diverse background, ensuring a variety of perspectives. Participants will be selected randomly and asked to respond to a questionnaire that presents a fictitious issue with a set of predetermined statements or questions. Responses will be collected anonymously to maintain confidentiality and encourage honesty.
3. Ethical Considerations
According to Baxter and Babbie (2011), ethical considerations in research primarily focus on informed consent, deception, and the welfare of participants. In this study, participants are not informed that the issue is fictitious, which raises concerns about deception. However, the potential for psychological harm must also be considered; participants may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable expressing uninformed opinions.
4. Conducting the Research Ethically
To conduct the research ethically, I would ensure that participants give their informed consent prior to their involvement in the study. This means clearly explaining the study's purpose without revealing key aspects that would lead to bias. I would also implement mechanisms to monitor participants' emotional responses during the study to mitigate any discomfort.
5. Debriefing the Research Subjects
After data collection, it is crucial to debrief participants to explain the nature of the fictitious issue and why it was necessary for the study. This ensures transparency and shows respect for the participants' autonomy. The debriefing will include a discussion on the importance of uninformed attitudes in communication and how the results may relate to real-world implications.
Research Topic B: Communication Class Questionnaires
1. Briefly Describe the Topic
The second research topic revolves around a communication instructor asking students to complete questionnaires necessary for her dissertation requirements. The study focuses on collecting honest feedback from students regarding their communication skills and experiences.
2. Explain the Research Parameters
This study will target students enrolled in an introductory communication course at a college or university. Participation in the study is entirely voluntary, and students will be informed that their responses will be used to further academic research. The questionnaire will include a mix of quantitative (closed-ended) and qualitative (open-ended) questions to gather comprehensive feedback.
3. Ethical Considerations
In this scenario, ethical considerations include informed consent, potential coercion since the instructor is also the course evaluator, and ensuring that the questionnaire design does not lead to discomfort or biased responses. Students may feel obliged to provide positive feedback due to the instructor's authority.
4. Conducting the Research Ethically
To maintain ethical integrity, I would ensure that students understand their participation is completely voluntary and that their responses will remain confidential. Additionally, I would request that an independent party gather the responses to mitigate potential coercion and to emphasize anonymity.
5. Debriefing the Research Subjects
Debriefing in this case involves thanking the students for their participation and explaining how the information they provided will be utilized in the dissertation. It is also essential to stress that results will not affect their grades, alleviating any concerns about potential repercussions from their feedback.
Conclusion
Both research topics provide valuable insights into communication behaviors and ethical considerations within academic settings. Careful design and implementation of ethical protocols not only protect the participants but also contribute to the credibility and validity of the research findings.
References
- Baxter, L. A., & Babbie, E. (2011). The Basics of Communication Research. Cengage Learning.