ethics chapter 1

Question 1

define ethical concepts

Answer 1

the broad, moral guiding
principles that people
should consider when
conducting research,
practising psychology,
or when analysing a
psychological issue
or debate

Question 2

types of ethical concepts

Answer 2

• beneficence
• integrity
• justice
• non-maleficence
• respect.

Question 3

beneficence

Answer 3

refers to the commitment to maximising benefits and minimising the risks and harms
involved in taking a particular position or course of action

• whether the research design
  minimises harm.
• where harm is a necessary part of
  the research, it is outweighed by
  the merits (benefits) of the study.
• participants’ welfare

Question 4

integrity

Answer 4

is the commitment to searching for knowledge and understanding, and the honest reporting of all sources of information and results, whether favourable or unfavourable, in ways that permit scrutiny and contribute to public knowledge and understanding
* objective and open reporting and
recording of results.
* processes of peer review.
* thoroughness of any literature
review and other research
procedures.

Question 5

justice

Answer 5

the moral obligation to ensure that there is fair consideration of competing claims; that there is no unfair burden on a particular group from an action; and that there is fair distribution and access to the benefits of an action

• objectivity in evaluating results.
• ensuring the research design and suggestions on the basis of conclusions are not discriminatory against certain groups.
• ensuring psychological practice does not stereotype or discriminate.
• equity in access to psychological services and findings.

Question 6

non maleficence

Answer 6

principle of avoiding causing harm

• designing research to minimise psychological and physical harm.
• participants’ welfare.
• cost-benefit analyses of whether benefits outweigh the risks.

Question 7

respect

Answer 7

• respect for and consideration of the
  welfare of human and non-human
  research participants.
• protection of participants’
  autonomy.
• respect for individuals’ personal
  beliefs and cultures.

Question 8

ethical guidelines

Answer 8

the procedures
and principles used to
ensure that participants
are safe and respected

Question 9

types of ethical guidelines

Answer 9

• confidentiality
• informed consent procedures
• use of deception
• debriefing
• voluntary participation
• withdrawal rights.

Question 10

confidentiality

Answer 10

*privacy, protection and security of a participant’s personal information

Question 11

ways to ensure confidentiality

Answer 11

• Having data storage tools and procedures that
  are safe and secure.
• Anonymising participants’ results when sharing or publishing them.

Question 12

informed consent procedures

Answer 12

ensure participants understand the nature and
purpose of the experiment, including potential risks (both physical and psychological), before agreeing to participate in the study

Question 13

ways to ensure informed consent

Answer 13

Voluntary written consent should be obtained by the experimenter

Question 14

deception

Answer 14

act of intentionally
misleading participants about the true nature of a study or procedure.

Question 15

ways to ensure deception

Answer 15

• The possibility that deception may be used must be outlined in the consent form.
• Any deception used during research must be
  fully explained at the conclusion of the study.
• Participants’ questions should be answered at
  the conclusion of a study.

Question 16

debriefing

Answer 16

at the end of the experiment, the participant leaves understanding the experimental aim, results and conclusions

Question 17

ways to ensure debriefing

Answer 17

• Participants’ questions should be answered at
  the conclusion of a study.
• Support should be offered to participants to
  address any harm from the study.
• Debriefing must occur at the conclusion of the
  study and participants must be told about any
  deception.

Question 18

voluntary participation

Answer 18

there is no coercion or pressure put on the
participant to partake in an experiment, and they freely choose to be involved

Question 19

ways to ensure voluntary participation

Answer 19

• In order to have true voluntary participation,
  there must also be informed consent.
• Participants must not be coerced, but rewards for participation are permitted

Question 20

withdrawal rights

Answer 20

right of participants to be able to discontinue their involvement in an experiment at any time during, or after the conclusion of, an experiment without penalty

Question 21

ways to ensure withdrawal rights

Answer 21

• Participants’ results should be removed from the study if they wish to withdraw at any point, even after the conclusion of the study.
• Participants should not be coerced in any way to remain in the study.
• Any compensation offered for time spent at the beginning of the study should still be offered to participants who withdraw.