Ethical issues in neuroscience and clinical psychology

Question 1

When can animal research be performed?

Answer 1

When there are no alternatives

Question 2

What is the Act that regulates the use of animals in experiments and testing?

Answer 2

The animals scientific procedures act 1986

Question 3

What is disruptive technology?

Answer 3

Technological innovation that produces products and services that lead to the phasing out (i.e., extinction) of existing dominant technologies

Question 4

What is an example of disruptive technology and how?

Answer 4

Optogenetics - Gone from disruptive to accepted technology - researchers place proteins called opsins into any cell in the brain - can also treat focal cortical epilepsy and alzheimers disease - a problem as it generally uses adenoviruses

Question 5

What is CRISPR-CA59 technology?

Answer 5

Allows for the very selective alterations of specific parts of DNA in the genome - could revolutionise the way we treat genetic diseases - potential concerns about unintended consequences

Question 6

What do all researchers performing animal research need?

Answer 6

A home office personal license, these last 5 years and justify the use of animals

Question 7

What is the AWERB?

Answer 7

Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body

Question 8

What is the BSMB and what do they do?

Answer 8

Biological services management board - ensures compliance with law, charges for animals

Question 9

What is replacement in regards to the 3R’s?

Answer 9

Methods which avoid or replace the use of animals

Question 10

What is reduction in regards to the 3R’s?

Answer 10

Methods which minimise the number of animals used per experiment

Question 11

What is refinement in regards to the 3R’s?

Answer 11

Methods which minimise animal suffering and improve welfare

Question 12

What are the core principles of ethics in clinical psychology?

Answer 12

Protecting the rights, dignity, and welfare of research participants

Question 13

What are the central principles in ethics in clinical psychology?

Answer 13

Informed consent, minimisation of harm, privacy and confidentiality

Question 14

What should informed consent be?

Answer 14

Voluntary with no direct or indirect pressure to take part, with no implicit or explicit coercion.

Question 15

What should the consent form contain?

Answer 15

Confirmation of the key features, participants and the researchers signature

Question 16

What is an example of direct harm to a participant?

Answer 16

Where clinical research may ask participants about difficult past experiences or remembering traumatic events.

Question 17

What is an example of indirect harm?

Answer 17

Withholding of the benefit in randomised controlled trials

Question 18

What is anonymity?

Answer 18

Where no identification is possible

Question 19

What is cost-benefit analysis?

Answer 19

Where you look at the risks versus benefits of carrying out research

Question 20

What are the four general principles in the BPS code of ethics and conduct?

Answer 20

Respect (for autonomy - diversity, privacy, consent, confidentiality)
Competence - knowing limitations etc
Responsibility - Avoidance of harm
Integrity - conflicts of interest