Ethical principles Flashcards
Benficence
It is the responsibility of the researcher to maximise the possible benefits of the research while minimising the risks of harm of discomfort to the participant.
Example: The negative impact on Little Albert outweighed the knowledge gained about the development of phobias
Respect for persons
The researcher must properly regard the welfare, rights, beliefs, perceptions and cultural heritage of all individuals involved in the research
Example: Alberts welfare wasn’t protected or respected
Participant rights
The participant must have an understanding of what the researchers are doing to them and why.
Voluntary participation
Willingly agree and give consent to participate (if under 18 – parents/guardians must give consent.)
Example: Albert’s mother wasn’t given the opportunity to willingly agree to allow her son to take part in the experiment – she may have felt pressured into doing so because Watson was a colleague of hers
Informed consent
Before a participant or parent/guardian gives consent, they must be informed of the nature of purpose of the study.
Example: Albert’s mother was not fully aware that her son was being used in experiments on conditioning of a fear response despite giving her consent.
Confidentiality
Anonymity of the participant must be preserved. All results must be kept private
Example: Albert’s name was released to the public. His identity and results were not kept private.
Withdrawal rights
The participant has the right to withdraw at any time without having to provide and explanation. Also the participant has the right to ask for their results to be excluded from the study if they feel uncomfortable
Example: Albert’s mother wasn’t given the right to withdraw her son from the experiment at any time
Psychological harm
The participant should not be hurt or altered in any way that will have a negative effect on their life in the long run, which will disrupt their average functioning and everyday life.
Example: It is possible that Albert was more vulnerable to psychological harm as a result of the experiment procedures than another infant might have been. Watson and Rayner made no attempt to end the experiment and attend to his distress in some way.
Debriefing
Is where the participants are informed of the nature, study’s true purpose once the experiment has ended. During debriefing the researcher must also correct any mistaken attitudes or beliefs held by participants, and explain all the deception related to conducting the experiment. Must also provide counselling if needed
Example: No attempt was made to extinguish Albert’s fear response even though Rayner and Watson knew a month in advance that Albert’s mother was leaving. There was also no evidence that Watson debriefed his parents.
Deception
Use of deception, the act of deceiving necessary for the purpose of the study, must be informed of deception after study concluded and given any assistance if needed.
Role of the experimenter
the researcher must always act in a professional manner
