Wendell Johnson conducted the so-called The Monster Study in 1939 and the study can be rightfully considered one of the most appalling and the most infamous experiments in the history of psychologies. This study referred to in scientific circles as the “Stuttering Study” is one of the most infamous examples of what is wrong with research […]. In essence, the Monster Study sought to establish the cause of stuttering in children by malicious speech treatment of the children. In this blog post, I explore the specifics of the Monster Study including the methodology, controversies, as well as impact that it provided for psychology.
Understanding the Purpose and Methodology of the Monster Study
In the Monster Study it was an attempt to verify a hypothesis that through negative reinforcement, children could be made to stutter. So, Wendell Johnson and his team carried out the experiment on 22 orphaned children to which children were divided into two groups. One group was given remarks that gathered in praise of their speech while the other group was criticized and given negative remarks. There was the expectation that by averting positive reinforcements, normal speaking individuals would develop speech difficulties known as stammering.
In the Monster Study, it was a case of passing the children fluently from one group to the other so that the youngsters would be convinced that they had speech disorder. This implied approach not only misleading the children but also exposed them to much undue psychological strain. Ethical issues that continue to arouse much concern in the Monster Study are these approaches because they were contrary to the acceptable codes of research; the principle of informed consent and participants welfare.
Ethical Breaches and Controversies in the Monster Study
The Study is another terrible example of unethical conduct in the course of a research study. The first of these was the lack of informed consent, which means that both the children and their caregivers were not aware of the risks involved in the study. Also, the form of negative reinforcement applied in the study was meant to hurt rather than assist and so added to the ethical issues.
The opponents of the Study pointed to the fact that the study’s methods were erroneous and pernicious. The researchers who caused the psychological trauma in the stuttering disorder simply used the negative feedback that left the vulnerable children with long-term impacts. This study has since then been used as an example in debates on research ethics with focus being made on the fact that methods of research should in one way or the other be considerate to the participants.
Long-Term Impact of the Monster Study on Psychological Research
The lasting impact of the Study on psychological research is significant. This controversial study has led to stricter ethical guidelines and greater emphasis on participant protection in research. The study’s outcome prompted a reevaluation of research practices, leading to the establishment of ethical standards that prioritize the well-being and informed consent of participants. Read here.
In response to the ethical violations demonstrated by the Study, various ethical codes and guidelines have been developed. The American Psychological Association (APA) and other professional organizations have implemented strict guidelines to prevent similar ethical breaches in future research. These guidelines ensure that participants are treated with respect and that their rights are safeguarded.
Lessons Learned from the Monster Study
The Monster offers several important lessons for modern research practices. One key lesson is the necessity of obtaining informed consent from all participants. This practice ensures that participants are aware of the research’s nature and potential risks. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of prioritizing the psychological well-being of participants, which is a fundamental principle in contemporary research ethics.
Researchers today are encouraged to reflect on the ethical implications of their work and to strive for transparency and integrity. The Monster Study serves as a reminder of the potential harm that can arise from unethical research practices and the ongoing need to uphold high ethical standards.
What was the main goal of the Monster Study?
The main goal of the Monster Study was to investigate whether stuttering could be induced in children through negative speech reinforcement.
Why is the Monster Study considered unethical?
The Monster Study is considered unethical due to its use of negative reinforcement on vulnerable children without their informed consent, causing psychological harm.
What impact did the Monster Study have on research ethics?
The Monster Study led to stricter ethical guidelines and a greater emphasis on participant protection in psychological research.
Who conducted the Monster Study?
The Monster Study was conducted by psychologist Wendell Johnson and his team in 1939.
How did the Monster Study influence modern research practices?
The Monster influenced modern research practices by highlighting the importance of informed consent and participant well-being, leading to stricter ethical standards.
Conclusion
The Monster Study for now remains an important and inflammatory account on the annals of psychological research. These have raised serious ethical issues and the detrimental consequences that they precipitated for the participants have defined the development of research ethnicity. In this respect, the study also plays a significant role in these key reminders regarding ethical considerations and protection of research participants. Revisiting the weaknesses of prior studies could mean that independently, researchers come up with improved ethical frameworks for implementing research in the future thus creating a more reliable and authentic field of psychology.
