Ethical guidelines

Question 1

Confidentiality + anonymity

Answer 1

There should be no identifiable information about ppts in the report. For example, you should use things likes numbers, pseudonyms, etc, instead of names.

Question 2

Deception

Answer 2

When a researcher misleads the ppts by giving them false information or not informing them about parts of the study.

Question 3

Informed consent

Answer 3

Ppts should be informed about the purpose(s) of the research, the expected duration, what their data will be used for, etc.

Question 4

Right to withdraw

Answer 4

All ppts have the right to withdraw themselves and/or their data at any point during the study/experiment.

Question 5

Protection from harm

Answer 5

Any risks ppts ae exposed to shouldn’t be greater than everyday life - mundane realism should be maintained. Ppts should leave in same state they arrived in.

Question 6

Privacy

Answer 6

All ppts have the right to control the flow of information about themselves. Invasion of privacy could be considered a form of psychological harm.

Question 7

Debrief

Answer 7

This is given at the end of a study where ppts will be reminded of things like their RTW, and they may be asked for retrospective consent and be told the aim of the study and where their data is going. Ppts should be offered counselling services. Debriefs are especially important when ppts are deceived.

Question 8

Risk management

Answer 8

Weighing up long term gains vs short term risks to see if it will be beneficial/worth the risks.

Question 9

Research Ethics Committee (REC)

Answer 9

A group of people within a research institution who have to approve a study before it can begin. They look at all possible ethical issues and carry out risk management.