ethical issues and ways of dealing with them- research methods

Question 1

ethical issues in the design and confuct of psychological studies

Answer 1

arises when conflict exists between pps rights and researchers need to gain valuable and meaningful findings, conflict has implications for safety and well being of pps

Question 2

informed consent

Answer 2

involves making pps aware of the aims of the research procedures their rights and what data will be used for, pps should then make informed judgement whether or not to take part without being coerced or feeling obliged

Question 3

deception

Answer 3

misleading or witholding info from pps at any stage
occassions when can be justified if does not cause pps undue distress

Question 4

protection from harm

Answer 4

pps should not be placed at any more risk than they would be in their daily lives and should be protected from physical and psychological harm
latter includes being made to feel embarrassed inadequate or being placed under undue stress or pressure
pps being reminded that they have the right to withdraw from investigation at any pointp

Question 5

privacy and confidentiality

Answer 5

pps right to control info about themslves
right of privaxy- extended to area where study took place so institutions or geographical locations not named
if invaded then confidentiality should be protected- refers to rights to have any personal data protected

Question 6

bps code of conduct (dealing with them)

Answer 6

british psycholoigcal society- includes ethical guidelines
researchers have professional duty top observe these guidelines
attempt to ensure all pps treated with respect and considration during each phase of reearch
implemented by ethics committees who use cost benefit approach to determine whether particular research proposals ethicaly acceptable

Question 7

dealing with informed consent

Answer 7

pps should be isued consent letter or form detailing relevant info that might affect their dexision to participate
signed if agreed
under 16- parntal consent required

Question 8

dealing with deception and protection from harm

Answer 8

pps given full debrief at end
pps aware of true aims of investigation and any details they were not supplied with during the study
pps should be told what their data will be used for and must be given right to withdraw and right to withhold data
should be reassured that their behaviour normal
they may reuire conselling with resarcher should provide

Question 9

dealing with confidentiality

Answer 9

if personal details held these must be protected
refer to pps using numbers of initials
pps reminded their data will be protected throughout and told the data will not be shared with other researchers

Question 10

presumptive cosent

Answer 10

similar group of people asked if study acceptable
if group agrees then consent of original pps presumed

Question 11

prior general consent

Answer 11

pps given their permission to take part number of different studies may involve deception

Question 12

retrospective consent

Answer 12

pps asked for their consent having already taken part in the study
may not have been aware of their participation or may have been sbejct to deception