Ethics

Question 1

What are the ethical considerations created by the BPS?

Answer 1

Privacy
Confidentiality
Deception
Right to withdraw
Informed consent
Protection from harm

Question 2

How can privacy be ensured and what are the limitations?

Answer 2

• Observations carried out in public places
• Interviews/questionaires should no ask personal or sensative Qs=gain retrospective consent
  Limitations=no universal agreement on what constitutes a public place e.g someone in their workp;ace

Question 3

How can confidentiality be ensured and what are the limitations?

Answer 3

• Anonmyise P’s with the used of codes/numbers e.g initials
• P’s should no be identifiable
  Limitations=May still be possible to identify P’s using any info that was provided e.g location of the study

Question 4

How can deception be prevented and what are the limitations?

Answer 4

• P’s must be fully debriefed once the study is finished=should offer the change to withdraw results and discuss any concerns
  Limitations=Ethics comitees are not always able to predict what harm harm may come deception

Question 5

How can right to withdraw be ensured and what are the limitations?

Answer 5

• P’s made aware before study that they can leave at any point during the study
• Any incentive will remain
  Limitations=P’s may be reluctant to withdraw out of fear they will ruin the study. The use of payment or incentive may also make them feel like they can’t leave

Question 6

How can informed consent be ensured and what are the limitations?

Answer 6

• Should known in detail the nature and the purpose of the study
• If P’s are under 16 years old or not sound of mind consent should be given by an appropiate adult/guardian
  Limitations=P’s will be aware of the aim of the study which causes demand characteristics/Even if informed consent is given they may not be fully aware of what they will be asked to do

Question 7

How can protection from harm be ensured and what are the limitations?

Answer 7

• Studies should be designed so P’s come to no more harm than they would experiance in everyday life
• The study should be stooped if harm is suspected
  Limitation=Difficult to predict whether the P will be harmed during research/Researchers may not be aware that P is being harmed and may only realise in retrospect

Question 8

What are the key features of a brief?

Answer 8

• Purpose of the research
• Ensure P’s are clear on what they have to do
• Ensure confidentiality
• Give P’s right to withdraw data and see the finished report if they wish
• Provide an opportunity for questions

Question 9

What are the key features of a debrief?

Answer 9

• Aim~Purpose and hypothesis
• Ensure no undue stress to P’s
• Ensure P’s leave in in a frame of mind that is at least as sound as when they entered
• Give P’s chance to withdraw and see finished repot
• Provide opportunity for questions
• Thank P’s for contribution