Use the Following to Answer Questions

question 169

Multiple Choice

Use the following to answer questions
Scenario III
Scenario III is based on fabricated data inspired by the following study:
Yatawara, C. J., Einfeld, S. L., Davenport, T. A., & Guastella, A. J. (2015) . The effect of oxytocin nasal spray on social interaction deficits observed in young children with autism: a randomized clinical crossover trial [advance online publication]. Molecular Psychiatry.
Oxytocin and Autism Study
The purpose of this study was to examine whether oxytocin could improve social bonding in autistic children. Oxytocin is a chemical affectionately known as the "love drug" because it is shown to increase mother-child and male-female bonding. Given that autism typically affects one's ability to form social bonds with others, Yatawara and colleagues (2015) hypothesized that the administration of oxytocin to autistic children may improve their ability to bond with family members. To that end, 31 autistic children received either intranasal oxytocin or a placebo twice daily for five weeks after which each child's caregiver completed a self-report social responsiveness survey. The results revealed oxytocin administration significantly improved the social responsiveness of autistic children. These data suggest that oxytocin should be investigated further for the treatment of autism.
-(Scenario III) Suppose Yatawara and colleagues (2015) found oxytocin had no effect on social bonding, and as a result didn't bother to publish their findings. Unaware of their null result, a different group of researchers just invested $35,000 in a study to examine oxytocin as a treatment for autism. According to your text this illustrates:

• A) the file drawer problem.
• B) the publication problem.
• C) the null result problem.
• D) the lock and key problem.

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Definitions:

Physical Abuse

The use of physical force to cause harm or injury to another person, often a manifestation of power imbalance.

Sexual Abuse

Unwanted sexual activity, with perpetrators using force, making threats, or taking advantage of victims not able to give consent.

Children

Individuals who are younger than the age of puberty or not yet of legal adult age.

Female Genital Mutilation

A practice involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons.