7.2: Ethical issues

Question 1

A stratified sample of participants were shown a tray containing 30 unrelated items for 30 seconds, after which time the tray was removed from sight. Half the participants were made moderately anxious, by wearing fake electrodes, which they were told would give them electric shocks for answers they got wrong. The other participants had low anxiety levels, through being told that the fake electrodes were merely monitoring bodily processes. Participants were instructed to recall as many items as possible.

Explain two ethical issues the researchers would have to consider (4 marks)

Answer 1

Informed consent would have to be considered

Question 2

A stratified sample of participants were shown a tray containing 30 unrelated items for 30 seconds, after which time the tray was removed from sight. Half the participants were made moderately anxious, by wearing fake electrodes, which they were told would give them electric shocks for answers they got wrong. The other participants had low anxiety levels, through being told that the fake electrodes were merely monitoring bodily processes. Participants were instructed to recall as many items as possible.

Explain two ethical issues the researchers would have to consider (4 marks).
Informed consent would have to be considered, where what?

Answer 2

Informed consent would have to be considered, where participants are given sufficient details about the aims and procedures of the study that they can make a considered decision as to whether to take part

Question 3

A stratified sample of participants were shown a tray containing 30 unrelated items for 30 seconds, after which time the tray was removed from sight. Half the participants were made moderately anxious, by wearing fake electrodes, which they were told would give them electric shocks for answers they got wrong. The other participants had low anxiety levels, through being told that the fake electrodes were merely monitoring bodily processes. Participants were instructed to recall as many items as possible.

Explain two ethical issues the researchers would have to consider (4 marks).
Informed consent would have to be considered, where participants are given sufficient details about the aims and procedures of the study that they can make a considered decision as to whether to take part.

What would also have to be considered?

Answer 3

The right to withdraw would also have to be considered

Question 4

A stratified sample of participants were shown a tray containing 30 unrelated items for 30 seconds, after which time the tray was removed from sight. Half the participants were made moderately anxious, by wearing fake electrodes, which they were told would give them electric shocks for answers they got wrong. The other participants had low anxiety levels, through being told that the fake electrodes were merely monitoring bodily processes. Participants were instructed to recall as many items as possible.

Explain two ethical issues the researchers would have to consider (4 marks).
Informed consent would have to be considered, where participants are given sufficient details about the aims and procedures of the study that they can make a considered decision as to whether to take part.

The right to withdraw would also have to be considered, where what?

Answer 4

The right to withdraw would also have to be considered, where participants are informed that they are under no obligation to complete the study and that they can leave at any time they wish