1d. Ethics

Question 1

6 ethical considerations

Answer 1

• Consent
• Debriefing
• Confidentiality
• Deception
• Withdrawal
• Protection from harm

Question 2

Consent

Answer 2

• Participation must be voluntary
• Must understand nature of their involvement
• Researcher should provide as much information as possible
• If minors, parent’s consent is required

Question 3

Debriefing

Answer 3

• After study, participants must be fully informed of nature and how data will be used
• Should be given opportunity to review and withdraw data
• Any deception must be revealed

Question 4

Confidentiality and anonymity

Answer 4

• Confidentiality: If there is someone who can connect results to identity of person, terms of agreement must be in place to prevent sharing of data
• Anonymity: No one can trace results back to someone’s identity

Question 5

Deception

Answer 5

• True aims can’t be revealed to prevent demand characteristics
• When used, researchers must be careful to keep it minimal and also be able to justify it
• Require debriefing afterwards

Question 6

Protection from harm

Answer 6

• Must be protected from physical and mental harm
• Included possible negative long-term consequences
• References to professional help must be provided

Question 7

Withdrawal

Answer 7

• Should be free to withdraw from study at any time

- Must not be prevented nor convinced to try and stay

Question 8

Some ethical consideration in reporting the results

Answer 8

• Data fabrication
• Plagiarism
• Publication credit
• Handling of sensitive information

Question 9

What are different types of information that must be handled sensitively?

Answer 9

Handling of information related to:

1. Genetic research
2. Mental disorders
3. Scientific results that could have social implications (eg. homosexuality)