I need a topic that is minimum risk and ethical that the goal is to examine the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable
Two of us have given you ideas. Now it's your turn to come up with something.
my instructor keeps refusing my topic
What does your instructor suggest? What is wrong with the topics you've proposed?
Sure! One topic that fits your criteria is examining the effects of daily exercise on mental health. This topic is low risk because exercise is generally safe and has numerous health benefits. It is also ethical because you would be promoting participants' well-being by encouraging them to engage in exercise.
To conduct a study on this topic, you would need to define your independent variable (in this case, the amount of daily exercise) and your dependent variable (mental health outcomes). Next, you would need to design a study protocol to gather data. Here are some steps you can follow:
1. Define your variables: Clearly define the independent variable (e.g., the duration or intensity of daily exercise) and the dependent variable (e.g., measures of mental health such as self-reported happiness or stress levels).
2. Ethical considerations: Ensure that your study adheres to ethical guidelines by obtaining informed consent from participants, ensuring confidentiality, and protecting their privacy.
3. Participant recruitment: Recruit a diverse group of participants who are willing to engage in a specific exercise routine. They should be informed about the purpose of the study and any potential risks or benefits.
4. Random assignment: Divide participants into two groups - an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group will engage in the prescribed exercise routine, while the control group does not undertake any specific exercise routine.
5. Data collection: Implement a data collection plan to gather quantitative or qualitative data related to mental health. This could include surveys, self-report measures, interviews, or psychological assessments. Ensure that the data collection tools are reliable and valid.
6. Implementation: Monitor and support participants in adhering to the exercise routine, ensuring compliance and accurately tracking the independent variable.
7. Data analysis: Once data collection is complete, analyze the data using appropriate statistical methods. Compare the mental health outcomes of the experimental group with those of the control group to determine the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable.
8. Interpretation and conclusion: Analyze the results and draw conclusions regarding the effects of daily exercise on mental health. Consider any limitations or confounding factors that may have influenced the results.
Remember, it's essential to consult with a research advisor or ethics committee when conducting a study to ensure it meets all necessary ethical standards and guidelines.