ethical issues

Question 1

BPS

Answer 1

In 1990 the British Psychological Society drew up a list of ethical guidelines that must be followed when conducting research.
All research will be checked to ensure it meets the BPS guidelines. There are 2 general principles underpinning these rules.
Firstly the researchers should ensure that participants leave the study in the same frame of mind in which they entered it.
Secondly, the stress imposed on participants during the study should not be any greater than the stress faced by people in their everyday lives.

Question 2

consent

Answer 2

Full disclosure of the objectives of the investigation is required for the participant to give their fully informed consent. This often cannot be obtained with some observational studies, field experiments and research with children.

Question 3

deception

Answer 3

Participants must not be deceived as to the nature of the study. If your study requires you to deceive participants then you cannot gain their fully informed consent.

Question 4

confidentiality

Answer 4

From reading your report it should not be possible to identify participants.

Question 5

protection

Answer 5

Participants should be protected from physical and psychological harm.

Question 6

dealing with consent

Answer 6

Informed consent is dealt with by prior general consent which is where participants give their permission to take part in any number of different studies, including ones that involve deception. It is also dealt with by observational research which is when only behaviours observed in public places are allowed.

Question 7

dealing with deception

Answer 7

Deception is dealt with by debriefing. This is where the full study is explained at the end.

Question 8

dealing with confidentiality

Answer 8

The personal data of participants must not be released or included in the findings of studies.

Question 9

dealing with protection from harm

Answer 9

Protection of participants from harm is dealt with by right to withdraw. This means that participants must be aware before the research begins that they have the right to withdraw themselves and their data at any point. It is also dealt with by debriefing which is when the full study is explained at the end. It should also be dealt with by giving advice in which the researcher should inform the participant of an appropriate advisor they can speak to.