Ethical issues in psychological research Flashcards
The BPS code of human research ethics (2014)
The BPS code of ethical guidelines is based of 4 key principles:
1. Respect for autonomy, privacy and dignity of individuals and communities
2. Scientific integrity
3. Social responsibility
4. Maximising benefit and minimising harm
Informed Consent
The agreement of participants to take part once they are fully aware of the aims nature and intended outcomes of a study. Sometimes research is conducted without the consent of participants. Even in such circumstances, researchers should be sensitive to issues of privacy and cultural beliefs
Deception
Involves misleading or lying to the participants about the nature of an investigation. This violates a participants ability to give consent and should be avoided. However it may be seen as necessary to maintain the integrity of the study, as long as they are protected ant the deception is disclosed as soon as possible; usually in a debrief
Confidentiality
Not disclosing the identity of participants. This means that the researchers keep the participants records in a safe and secure place and destroy them after a suitable amount of time
Right to withdraw
From the outset of any research, participants should be aware that they have the right to withdraw from the study at any point. This includes withdrawing their results for an agreed time after the study. A participant should never be offered an incentive to forgo their right to withdraw
Protection of participants
Refers to the guidelines that participants should always be protected from physical and psychological harm. Psychological harm is quite subjective so it is important to consider how each participant may feel from their point of view. Incentives should not be used to encourage participants to endure harm that is more than what they may experience in everyday life.
Debrief
After an investigation, participants are given a full disclosure of the study
