Lesson 10 - Ethics

Question 1

Ethics

Answer 1

High quality research involves good ethical practise and ethical issues must be considered before
Alongside ethical guidelines, most institutions have ethical committees that meet to consider ethics of research before
The British Psychological Society publishes a code of ethics which investigators should follow

Question 2

Informed Consent

Answer 2

Before taking part in a psychological study, participants should sign a consent form explaining purpose of study and whats involved
Should be made clear there is no pressure to consent and they can withdraw
Participants should be assured data is confidential and they will receive a debriefing
In some cases it is not possible to gain informed consent as this might lead to demand characteristics

Question 3

Protection from Harm

Answer 3

Investigators have a responsibility to protect participants from physical harm and psychological harm
Risk of harm should be no greater than ordinary life
Psychologists must stop immediately if they suspect any harm

Question 4

Right to Withdraw

Answer 4

Participants must be made aware that they can leave the study at any time
Difficult to implement during covert observations
Should also be made aware that data can be withdraw at any point

Question 5

Confidentiality

Answer 5

Data is confidential and should not be disclosed unless agreed in advance
Numbers or letters should be used instead of names if research is published
Confidentiality means that the data can be traced back to a name whereas anonymity means that it cannot be as the participants have never provided their name to the researchers

Question 6

Avoid Deception

Answer 6

Withholding information or misleading participants is unacceptable if they are likely to object once they know they have been deceived
Intentional deception of participants over purpose and general nature should be avoided
Sometimes deception is unavoidable to prevent demand characteristics
Ethics committee must conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine if research should be carried out
Real purpose should be explained after if deception is used

Question 7

Debriefing

Answer 7

Participants are told aim of the study and information about conditions
Researcher should check welfare and remind them of right to withdraw and confidentiality
Does not provide justification for unethical aspects of research