Intro to Psych: Ethical Considerations

Question 1

Informed Consent

Answer 1

= participants must be informed of:

• aim, nature & risks of the study
• their right to withdraw
• the above in a language they understand
• children must have parent/caregiver permission

Question 2

Deception

Answer 2

= if the researcher needs to use deception to gain more accurate information:

• ethics committee must approve
• only way to get honest, unbiased responses
• low risk of harm

Question 3

Debriefing

Answer 3

• must occur as soon as possible

- offer counselling etc.

Question 4

Voluntary Participation

Answer 4

= participants shouldn’t be coerced (real or perceived)

• no negative consequences for refusing
• no pre-existing power relationship (boss-employee, teacher-student)

Question 5

Confidentiality/Anonymity

Answer 5

anonymity = not recording any potentially identifying information
confidentiality = identifying information kept secure

Question 6

Right to Withdraw

Answer 6

= participants have the right to withdraw from the research

• at any time
• without explanation
• researcher cannot question their decision

Question 7

Accurate Reporting

Answer 7

= researchers cannot fabricate data or misinterpret results

Question 8

Other Ethical Issues

Answer 8

Vulnerable groups...
- those not legally able to give consent
- those with mental health issues
- people speaking a different language
... are at a greater risk of:
- not understanding/being able to give informed consent
- not exercising withdrawal rights
- participating because of their vulnerability

Question 9

Right to No Harm

Answer 9

= participants should not suffer from physical, mental or emotional issues as a result of the study