PSYC FPX 4210 Assessment 6 Research Proposal

Student Name

Capella University

PSYC FPX 4210 Cyberpsychology

Prof. Name:

Date

Introduction

The proposed study seeks to investigate the benefits and effects of cybertherapy in comparison to traditional face-to-face therapy. Prior research in this domain has examined various technologies and modalities associated with cybertherapy, including Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Augmented and Virtual Reality, as well as persuasive and telepsychology computing (Botella, Garcia-Palacios, Banos, & Soledad, 2009). Botella et al. (2009) highlighted the effects, limitations, and advantages of cybertherapy, emphasizing its potential for creating personalized treatment environments. Although participants have shown a preference for cybertherapy, ethical considerations have emerged, underscoring the necessity for careful implementation (Botella et al., 2009).

Research Questions

Is online therapy or cybertherapy more effective than face-to-face counseling services?- What are the benefits and limitations of cybertherapy, and is there a specific age group that is more affected?Methods, Procedures, and Techniques

Table 1: Research Methodology Overview

Method	Description
Observational Research Study	Conducting a survey to recruit individuals facing similar mental health challenges requiring counseling.
Data Collection	Recording each counseling session, whether virtual or in-person, with participants’ consent to analyze their behaviors post-session.
Rationale for Methodology	Selected for its effectiveness in gathering data on participant effects within a research context.
Advantages of Methodology	Facilitates the creation of real-life scenarios and hypothesis generation for future studies (Marian & Pego-Fernandes, 2014).
Disadvantages of Methodology	Time-consuming, potential lack of qualitative depth, and ethical concerns regarding participant disclosure (Diksha, 2017).

Sample

Table 2: Sample Characteristics

Population of Interest	Individuals aged 20 to 30 receiving counseling services for similar mental health challenges.
Sample Participants	Participants currently receiving counseling for issues such as pandemic-induced depression.
Representativeness	The sample focuses on individuals facing similar challenges within the specified age range, ensuring more targeted results. Exclusion criteria include unwillingness to disclose current mental health challenges.

Procedures

Table 3: Participant Recruitment and Study Procedures

Recruitment Procedures	Online advertising and surveys to ensure participant suitability.
Study Procedures	In-person and cybertherapy sessions will be conducted and recorded, with participants informed in advance.

Benefits

This study will enhance the field of cyberpsychology by providing insights into the comparative effectiveness of in-person counseling versus cybertherapy. It may lead to advancements in treatment options that utilize technologies such as Information and Communication Technologies (Botella et al., 2009), while also offering convenient access on a global scale.

Benefits to Career Field

In the healthcare sector, cybertherapy improves accessibility, convenience, and the speed of service delivery, allowing for greater reach and flexibility. This benefits both patients and professionals, contributing to advancements within the overall career field.

References

Botella, C., Garcia-Palacios Quero, A., Banos, R. M., & Soledad. (2009). Cybertherapy: Advantages, limitations, and ethical issues. PsychNology, 7(1), 77–100.

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-in-marketing-research/