Participants
Understanding Participants
Definition of Participants
- Participants refer to the individuals who take part in a research study or experiment, from whom data are collected.
- They are also sometimes referred to as ‘subjects’.
Importance of Participants
- Participants are essential in psychological research as they provide the data from which conclusions are drawn.
- The characteristics of participants, including their background and experiences, can influence the results of a study.
Sampling Techniques
- Different sampling techniques can be used to select participants for research, each having its unique advantages and disadvantages.
- These techniques include random sampling, stratified sampling, systematic sampling, quota sampling, and opportunity sampling.
Informed Consent
- Informed consent is a key ethical consideration in psychological research. It refers to participants agreeing to take part in a study after being informed about the nature of the research, any risks involved, and their rights as participants.
- Consent should be obtained in writing and must be freely given without coercion.
Participants’ Rights
- Participants have the right to withdraw from a study at any time, without providing a reason and without facing any penalties.
- Participants’ data should always be anonymised to protect their identity and ensure confidentiality.
- Participants should not be subjected to harm or distress as a result of their participation in a study.
Participant Variables
- Participant variables are the individual differences between participants that could potentially influence the results of a study, such as age, gender, intelligence, and personality traits.
- Researchers must carefully control for participant variables to ensure a valid study.