Deck 9: Before You Begin

Question 1

What is the main purpose of a research proposal?

Answer 1

To communicate your research plan to others who have a stake in what you are doing; to propose to do research.

Question 2

Which of the following examples would be considered "research" under the U.S. federal law and would be subjected to IRB review?

A) An action research study that results in the art therapist's improved practice with children in residential treatment.
B) An exhibition of a group of community artists who have disabilities.
C) A case study of an incarcerated juvenile that will be shared in supervision.
D) A survey of graduate students that results in changes in professional standards for the field.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

What are the 4 goals that a research proposal should deliver to its readers?

Answer 3

Explain the design clearly, justify its value, propose a design that will produce the desired outcome, and make sense to non-expert readers.

Question 4

As a general rule, how much literature should you include in a research proposal?

A) Include all studies that relate to your topic so that a reader knows you have made a thorough and comprehensive search.
B) Include only the most recent studies that relate to your topic so that a reader knows you are current with developments in the field.
C) Include only the most important or well known studies on your topic so that a reader knows how your study might be viewed by others in the field.
D) Include only the most relevant studies related to your topic so that a reader knows what you understand the context and what your study is grounded on.

Question 5

What are the main concerns that an Institutional Review Board (IRB) brings to its review of a research proposal?

Question 6

Of the following, which is the most likely reason for why a research proposal gets turned down by an IRB or funding source?

A) The IRB is not convinced the researcher has the skills to conduct the study.
B) The IRB is not convinced that the study is worth doing.
C) The IRB is not convinced that the study can be done at the proposed site.
D) The IRB is not convinced that the researcher has enough time to do the study during the semester it is proposed.

Question 7

Name the basic principle of ethical research in each of the following research study examples:
a. Protecting vulnerable populations from emotional risks involved in your research
b. Maintaining anonymity by changing the names and other identifying details of
participants
c. Determining whether the risks involved outweigh the benefits to society
d. Securing consent from the parent of a minor who will participate in the study
e. Negotiating what will be done with the results and who will benefit from their
dissemination
f. Not withholding information that may alter whether a participant will give
consent
g. Allowing participants to keep the artworks created from a study
h. Securing signed consent forms before exhibiting client artworks

Question 8

An art therapist proposes an outcomes study to measure the impact of art therapy on a community that has just experienced a devastating flood. Participants are children in temporary housing. The art therapist is concerned that the experimental group receiving four weeks of art therapy will benefit to a greater degree than the control group participants, who are just as much in need but who will not receive art therapy. How should the researcher address this ethical problem?

A) Allow both groups to receive art therapy.
B) Give participants a choice of which group they want to participate in.
C) Give the participants in the control group an activity that is not art therapy but is still beneficial.
D) Change the research design to a case study.

Question 9

Under what circumstances could signing a consent form fail to protect a participant?

A) If the consent form is not written in the primary language of the participant
B) If the participant is incarcerated or court-ordered to attend art therapy
C) If the consent form discloses the name of the researcher
D) If the consent form doesn't promise to share the results with the participant when the study is concluded

Question 10

The Koyukon people say, "Everything around us is aware of what we are doing." How does this integrity principle affect a researcher's ethical conduct?

Question 11

Put yourself in the role of a member of an IRB reviewing your proposal. What are the main questions that would concern you about the study you propose? What arguments might you raise about the adequacy of your design?

Question 12

Identify an ethical problem associated with your research study. Ask yourself, "Could I live with this?" and if not, "Why does it bother me?" Reflect on what is required to resolve the ethical problem to the extent possible.

Question 13

Write an imaginary letter to the families of your research participants, explaining why you would like to involve their family members in your study and the assurances you can give that they will be treated with respect and that no harm will come to them

Question 14

Write a mini-proposal for a favorite movie about a journey of discovery. For example, in The Lord of the Rings, how would the protagonist Frodo have presented his plans to an IRB?

Question 15

Create a self-portrait that illustrates your moral and ethical values that guide your work as an art therapist. Then create a portrait of (or artwork about) your clients that reflects your ethical obligations to them in your study.

Question 16

Create an artwork in response to an ethical issue in your proposed study and share your reflection on it with others.