Psychology
1. In the mentioned case, the professor has made use of observation research method to conduct the study. It is a participant observation because the professor has made direct contact with the groups with the children. The mentioned information in the case shows that the observation between two groups was identified which indicates that the observation gained would be compared within two group that are assigned to spend different duration with children.
2. Independent variable in this study is the duration of time spent with the children because they are the individual factor that is directed to develop contact with the group. The duration of the children would not be assessed or affected by any circumstances. It indicates that the duration of time spent with the children is an independent variable (Elmes, Kantowitz, & Roediger, 2011).
3. The dependent variable in this study is the perception of the adults, their attitudes, and behaviors of the group member regarding having children. It is because adults attitudes are observed through the time they spend with the children which are indicative of the factor the time spent would affect their perceptions about having (Elmes, Kantowitz, & Roediger, 2011).
4. It is important to make use of random sampling method because it eliminates biases in the study. Each of the participants is given equal chance to be a representative. The results gained from random sampling would be general and can be applied to understand overall psychological behavior.
5. It was important to make randomly assign the participants to the groups because the study is specifically base on human behavior and their perceptions of having children. Therefore, using randomly sampling is important because it would give each of the participants to be representative of larger targeted population.
6. The professor has operationally defined the variable in the study through the first statement that explains the objective of the study. It is mention that there were two groups which indicate the professor would assess the attitudes of the adult with the time of duration they spend with the child. There is a comparative observation that professor has conducted (Elmes, Kantowitz, & Roediger, 2011). In both of the group mentioned in the case, the number and type of participant are same. However, there is the change in the duration each of the group members is assigned to spend with the child.
7. The potential ethical consideration for this study firstly involves the principle of confidentiality. It is important to ensure that the information of the participants should not be disclosed. The second ethical consideration is non-malfeasance it is to ensure that the information that would be gain should be not be used to harm or cause damage to the participants. Debrief is important as the research participants should be briefed about the procedures of the findings (Elmes, Kantowitz, & Roediger, 2011). The last ethical consideration that should be focused is that the interpretation and information provided by the participants should be free from deception. There should be no manipulation made in the setting or create ambiguity regarding the information gained in the study. The participants should not be forced to persuade their participation throughout the research. They can withdraw from the investigation any time they want.
8. If the present study would be redesigned the research questions for this study can be changed as follows.
How the spending time with the children would affect parenting fears?
What are the factors affecting attitudes of adults to have children while spending some time in their lives?
Reference
Elmes, D., Kantowitz, B. & Roediger, H., 2011. Research Methods in Psychology. Mason: Cengage Learning.
