Ethics

Question 1

Who determines what is ethical in psychology?

Answer 1

British Psychological societies code of ethics

Question 2

What are the main ethical guidelines?

Answer 2

Informed consent
Right to withdraw
Protection from harm
Confidentiality
Debriefing

Question 3

Informed consent

Answer 3

Participants should be informed on the aims and consequences of taking part.
Consent from under 18s can come from parents/guardians.

Question 4

Right to withdraw

Answer 4

Participants should have the ability no withdraw with no adverse consequences.
Includes withdrawing data

Question 5

Protection from harm

Answer 5

Should not get psychologically harmed

Question 6

Confidentiality

Answer 6

Participants’ data should be kept secure (name e.g)
Any published data should not include identity of participants.
Some exceptions - finding out participants / others are in danger.

Question 7

Debriefing

Answer 7

After data collection, should offer help afterwards, reveal withheld information.

Question 8

How to deal with informed consent (if need to deceive)

Answer 8

Prior general consent
Retroactive consent
Presumptive consent
———————————–
Help deal with demand characteristics

Question 9

Prior general consent

Answer 9

Ps agree to a long list of potential features, not knowing which will features will appear.

Question 10

Retroactive consent

Answer 10

Researcher asks for consent after the study.
If they do not agree their data is destroyed.

Question 11

Presumptive consent

Answer 11

Researcher asks a similar group to the sample - if they say yes, they assume the sample will say yes.

Question 12

How do they know if it is worth breaking ethical guidelines?

Answer 12

Ethics committee conduct a cost benefit analysis