Issues & Debates: Ethical Issues

Question 1

Define ethics.

Answer 1

Code of conduct necessary for carrying out research

Question 2

What is the BPS? What did they make?

Answer 2

1. British Psychological Society

2. “BPS code of human research ethics (2014)” - helps psychologists identify, consider and deal w ethical issues

Question 3

What are the 4 points of the BPS code?

Answer 3

1. Respect for the anatomy, privacy and dignity of individuals and communities
2. Scientific integrity
3. Social responsibility
4. Maximising benefit and minimising harm

Question 4

Explain “Respect for the anatomy, privacy and dignity of individuals and communities”. (2)

Answer 4

1. Must respect ind and cultural diffs e.g. age, gender, religion
2. Offer RIGHT TO WITHDRAW at any point

Question 5

Explain “Scientific integrity” (2)

Answer 5

1. Conduct well-designed research

2. Do NOT claim misleading findings

Question 6

Explain “Social responsibility”

Answer 6

Must produce beneficial findings that offer value to societY

Question 7

Explain “Maximising benefit and minimising harm” (2)

Answer 7

1. Cost-benefit analysis
   
   • ppts shouldn’t be in abnormal situations
   • BUT if the benefit of research > cost to ppts, psychs should safeguard ppt and minimise risk
2. Predicting risk is hard b/c ppts are affected differently by diff procedures`

Question 8

What are the 5 types of ethical issues?

Answer 8

1. Informed consent
2. Deception
3. Confidentiality
4. Right to withdraw
5. Protection of ppts

Question 9

What is “informed consent”? How do we ensure we have informed consent? (3)

Answer 9

Agreement of ppts to take part once fully aware of aims, nature and intended outcomes

Question 10

What is “deception”? (3)

Answer 10

1. Misleading ppts about nature of study during debrief
2. Violates ability to give informed consent
3. May be necessary to maintain study’s integrity

Question 11

What is “confidentiality”? (2)

Answer 11

1. Not disclosing personal info of ppts

2. Keep ppt records in a secure place & destroy after a suitable amount of time

Question 12

What is “right to withdraw”? (3)

Answer 12

1. Ensuring ppts are aware of their right to leave the study at any point
2. Inc withdrawing results for an agreed time after study is completed
3. Never offer incentives to forgo right to withdraw

Question 13

What is “protection of ppts”? (3)

Answer 13

1. Safeguarding ppts from physical/psychological harm
2. Psych harm is subjective
3. . Never offer incentives to encourage ppts to endure harm beyond what they may experience normally