Key ethetical guidelines

Question 1

Informed consent

Answer 1

Sometimes researchers don’t tell participants what the experiment is about as they may show demand characteristics

Question 2

Deception

Answer 2

In certain circumstances this can be acceptable as long as:

• it does not lead to harmful consequences for participants
• the study is potentially useful for society
• if told the research becomes invalid

Question 3

Right to withdraw

Answer 3

Means giving people the opportunity to leave the study at anytime and remove their results if they no longer want to take part

Question 4

Protection of Participants

Answer 4

In certain circumstances this can be ignored as long as:

• steps to minimise risk are taken
• harm is unavoidable
• the harm is a short-term and relatively minor
• the participants do not leave the study without any long-term harm or distress

Question 5

Debriefing

Answer 5

Telling the particpants what the study was about before they leave

Question 6

Confidentiality

Answer 6

Means keeping personl information confidential