Introduce the proposed study and summarize the existing research sufficiently for readers to understand the basis of the proposal.

The proposed study aims to establish and comprehend the benefits and effects of cybertherapy as opposed to face-to-face therapy. Numerous studies have been conducted on this topic, exploring various technologies and cybertherapy modalities, including Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Augmented and Virtual Reality, persuasive and telepsychology computing (Botella, Garcia-Palacios, Banos, & Soledad, 2009). Botella’s research delves into the effects, limitations, and advantages of these cybertherapy types, addressing ethical implications (Botella et al., 2009). Despite participants’ preference for cybertherapy, ethical considerations emerged, emphasizing the need for careful consideration (Botella et al., 2009). Conclusively, the research found that cybertherapy facilitates the creation of personalized environments, scenarios, and situations, offering a more inclusive individualized approach to treatment compared to face-to-face therapy (Botella et al., 2009).

Research Question

List each research question (or questions) in clear and specific terms for this study.

1. Is online therapy or cybertherapy more effective than face-to-face counseling services?
2. What are the benefits and limitations of using this modality of therapy, and is there a specific age group more affected?

Methods, Procedures, and Techniques

a) What are the methods for this study? Provide specific information here.

An observational research study employing a survey will be conducted, focusing on recruiting individuals with similar mental health challenges or issues necessitating counseling.

b) How will you collect data?

Each counseling session, whether virtual or in-person, will be recorded. Participants will sign an agreement acknowledging potential recording without certainty, and their behaviors will be studied after each session.

c) Why did you choose this methodology?

This methodology was selected for its ease in gathering information on participant effects in a research study.

d) What are the advantages of this research methodology?

Observational style allows researchers to create real-life scenarios and generates hypotheses for future studies (Marian & Pego-Fernandes, 2014).

e) What are the disadvantages of this methodology?

Disadvantages include time consumption, potential lack of in-depth qualitative value, and ethical considerations requiring disclosure to participants (Diksha, 2017).

Sample

a) What is the population of interest?

The population of interest for this study comprises participants aged 20 to 30.

b) Who are the sample participants?

Participants are individuals currently receiving counseling services for similar challenges, such as depression caused by the pandemic.

c) Explain how this sample is (and is not) representative of the population.

The sample focuses on participants facing similar challenges, ensuring more focused and accurate results within the age range of 20-30. Exclusion criteria involve individuals unwilling to disclose their current mental health challenges.

Procedures

a) What are the participant recruitment procedures?

Recruitment involves online advertising and surveys, ensuring participants fit the research criteria. In-person and cybertherapy sessions are facilitated, both recorded without participants’ certainty.

Benefits

What are the benefits of this study to the field of cyberpsychology? How will this study advance the field? Explain.

This study aids psychologists and therapists in understanding the effects of in-person counseling versus cybertherapy, potentially leading to advancements in the field. Insights may offer different treatment options, utilizing tools like Information and Communication Technologies (Botella et al., 2009), while also providing convenient access globally.

PSYC FPX 4210 Assessment 6 Research Proposal

Benefits to Career Field

What are the benefits to the career field?

Cybertherapy in the healthcare field enhances accessibility, convenience, speed of service, and ease of access, allowing medical professionals to reach more individuals and offer flexible services on various platforms. This contributes to increased patient participation and benefits to the overall career field.

References

Research Methods Used in Psychology. (2018). Https://Www.Bestdegreeprograms.Org/Lists/5- Research-Methods-Used-in-Psychology/. Retrieved from: https://www.bestdegreeprograms.org/lists/5-research-methodsusedin-psychology/

Botella, C., Garcia- Palacios Quero, A., Banos, R. M., & Soledad. (2009). Cybertherapy: Advantages, Limitations, and Ethical Issues. PsychNology, 7(1), 77–100. Retrieved from: http://repositori.uji.es/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10234/97162/33407.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Castelnuovo, Gianluca & Gaggioli, Andrea & Riva, Giuseppe. (2001). 13 CyberPsychology meets clinical psychology: The emergence of e-therapy in mental health care. Towards Cyberpsychology: Mind, Cognition and Society in the Internet Age. Caponnetto, P., & Milazzo, M. (2019). Cyber Health Psychology: The use of new technologies at the service of psychologycal well being and health empowerment. PubMed Central (PMC). Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6904845/

Diksha, V. A. P. B. (2017). Advantages and Disadvantages of Observation Techniques in Marketing Research. Market Research. Retrieved from: https://pgdabm1618.wordpress.com/2017/01/14/observation-inmarketingresearch/

PSYC FPX 4210 Assessment 6 Research Proposal