Framing Questions for Research with Minimal Risk
- 1. Framing Questions for Research with Minimal Risks A Psychometric Approach, Sean Cubero, RPm
- 2. References Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.) Cohen−Swerdlik: Psychological Testing and Assessment: An Introduction to Tests and Measurement, 7th edition Kaplan - Sacuzzo Psychological Testing: Principles, Applications, and Issues 9th Henry, David. (2012). Human Subjects Research with Vulnerable Populations with Vulnerable Populations. IHRP Human S Training. University of Illinois at Chicago
- 4. Ethics Defined ETHICS: principles for guiding decision making and reconciling conflicting values; Ethics: process of examining moral standards and looking at how we should interpret and apply such standards in real world situations; “philosophy of life”
- 5. Major approaches to Ethics Deontology This approach states that we should identify and use a Universal Code when making ethical decisions. An action is either ethical or not ethical, without exception Deontological ethics holds that at least some acts are morally obligatory regardless of their consequences for human welfare Nothing can be called good without the qualification of Good Will- the will to do one’s duty
- 6. Ethical Skepticism This is the relativist viewpoint, stating that ethical standards are not universal but are relative to one's particular culture and time There is no objective moral values instead people construct their values What is right is not universally applied to everyone, but depends on your participant’s world view
- 7. Teleological Ethics (Consequentialism/Utilitarianism) A theory that the aim of action should be the largest possible balance of pleasure over pain or the greatest happiness of the greatest number CORE IDEA = whether actions are morally right or wrong depends on their effects; Morality of action is contingent on the outcome This is a very practical viewpoint, stating that decisions about the ethics of a study should depend on the balance of the consequences and benefits for the research participants and the larger society Do the potential benefits outweigh the risks associated with this research?
- 9. Respect for Persons (Rights & Dignity) 1. Individual autonomy; Protection of individuals with reduced autonomy 2. Beneficence & Non-Malificence Maximize benefits and minimize harm; 3. Justice Equitable distribution of research risks and benefits 4. Integrity Maintaining competence; honest and accurate reporting
- 10. Treat individuals as autonomous agents Do not use people as a means to an end Allow people to make choices for themselves Provide extra protection to those with limited Voluntary Participation Informed Consent Protection of Privacy & Confidentiality Right to Withdraw without Penalty Respect for Persons 1. 2. 3. 4. autonomy
- 11. Beneficence • Acts of kindness or charity that go beyond duty • Obligations derived from beneficence – Do no harm – Prevent harm – Prevent evil – Promote good • Risks are justified by the benefits • Risks are minimized • Conflicts of interest are managed to avoid bias
- 12. • Treat people fairly • Fair sharing of burdens and benefits of research • Distinguish procedural justice from distributive justice – Vulnerable subjects are not targeted for convenience – People are not selected as subjects because of their ease of availability or compromised position – People who are likely to benefit are not excluded Justice
- 15. Biases Unnessary and irrelevant questions Disorganization of questions Harm or insensitive probing It prevents: Begin by clearly defining the purpose of the test and what you aim to measure. Having a well-defined purpose will help you create relevant and appropriate test items Clearly Define the Purpose of the Questionnaire 1.
- 18. 2. The Questionnaire should be Technically Sound or Statistically Sound VALIDITY How well a questionnaire measures what it purports to measure in a particular context Involve subject matter experts (SMEs) to validate the test's content and relevance 3 validators usually prescribed to test it’s technical soundness, a research expert, field expert and a professional in the discipline.
- 19. Lawshe’s Method Cohen−Swerdlik: Psychological Testing and Assessment: An Introduction to Tests and Measurement, 7th edition Rater’s responds are treated with statiscal analysis - Cronbach alpha - inter rater reliablity
- 20. 3. Ethical Approval: If your study involves human subjects, it's crucial to obtain ethical approval from an institutional review board (IRB) or ethics committee. This ensures that your study adheres to ethical standards and safeguards the rights and well-being of participants. GATE KEEPERS ARE IMPORTANT!! THESE COULD BE PUROK LEADERS, FIELD EXPERTS AND ETC.
- 21. 4. Prioritize Informed Consent: Ensure that participants fully understand the purpose of the study, their role, and any potential risks or benefits. Use clear and straightforward language in your questions.
- 22. 5. Maintain Transparency: Be transparent about the study's methodology, including how data will be collected, analyzed, and reported. Provide participants with a way to contact you with any concerns or questions.
- 23. 6 . Document Your Ethical Considerations: Keep detailed records of your ethical considerations, including the steps you've taken to minimize risks and protect participants. This documentation can be crucial if questions or concerns arise. Pre briefing and post briefing - in sensitive cases such as VAW - Psychologist and Mental Experts might be Required to close the psychological wounds you might have opened during your data gathering session.
- 24. 7. Avoid Sensitive or Intrusive Questions: Steer clear of questions that could be seen as sensitive, personal, or invasive. Respect the privacy and dignity of participants.
- 25. 8. Minimize Potential Harm or Discomfort: Assess the potential for physical or psychological harm or discomfort caused by your questions. Ensure that questions do not cause undue stress or anxiety. Active Listening: Empathy: Non-Verbal Communication:, body language, posture etc. Reflective Listening: Establishing Rapport: Open-Ended Questions: Paraphrasing:
- 26. 9 . Develop Clear and Concise Test Items: Write test items that are clear, concise, and free from ambiguity. Avoid using jargon or language that could be confusing to test takers.
- 27. 10. Consider Cultural Sensitivity: If your test is intended for a diverse population, ensure that test items are culturally sensitive and free from bias. Avoid using stereotypes or culturally loaded language.
- 28. 11. Pilot Test the Entire Test: After item development, pilot test the entire test with a representative sample to assess
- 29. 12. Assess Item Difficulty and Discrimination: Analyze item difficulty and discrimination statistics to ensure that test items effectively differentiate between individuals with varying levels of the construct being measured.
- 31. 13. Address Test Anxiety: Minimize test anxiety by creating a comfortable and low-stress testing environment. Consider providing practice items to familiarize test takers with the format.
- 32. 14. Monitor and Respond to Participant Feedback: Throughout the study, pay attention to participant feedback and be prepared to make adjustments to your questions or procedures if necessary.
- 33. 15. Anonymize and Protect Data: Ensure that any data collected is anonymized and stored securely to protect the privacy of participants. Assure participants that their responses will be kept confidential.
- 35. References Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.) Cohen−Swerdlik: Psychological Testing and Assessment: An Introduction to Tests and Measurement, 7th edition Kaplan - Sacuzzo Psychological Testing: Principles, Applications, and Issues 9th Henry, David. (2012). Human Subjects Research with Vulnerable Populations with Vulnerable Populations. IHRP Human S Training. University of Illinois at Chicago
- 36. Be a positive change.