Research Ethics Flashcards
Ethics
Principles that guide behavior to ensure respect for human dignity, rights, and welfare in research.
Autonomy
The principle that individuals have the right to make their own decisions, including whether to participate in research.
Informed Consent
The process of providing potential participants with all necessary information about a study so they can make an informed decision about participation.
Privacy
The right of individuals to control access to their personal information and to limit the circumstances under which it is shared.
Confidentiality
The obligation of researchers to protect the identities and data of research participants from unauthorized access or disclosure.
Anonymity
Ensuring that a participant’s identity is not linked to their data, making it impossible to trace results back to an individual.
Consent Form
A document that outlines the study’s purpose, procedures, risks, and rights of participants, which they sign to indicate informed consent.
Deception
Misleading or withholding information from participants about the true purpose of the study to prevent biased behavior, used only when justified.
Confederate
An actor who participates in a study, pretending to be another participant, to manipulate the social setting as part of the research design.
Debriefing
The process of informing participants about the true nature of the study after it is completed, especially when deception was used.
APA Ethics Code
The American Psychological Association’s guidelines that outline ethical standards for psychologists in research, practice, and education.
Beneficence and Non-Maleficence
Ethical principles that guide researchers to maximize benefits and minimize harm to participants.
Fidelity and Responsibility
Ethical standards emphasizing the need for researchers to be trustworthy, accountable, and responsible in their professional roles. Contracts should not be broken by researchers or participants. Researchers should avoid conflicts of interest.
Integrity
The ethical principle requiring researchers to be honest, accurate, and transparent in their work. Researchers should not steal, cheat, engage in fraud, subterfuge, or intentionally misrepresent facts. They should promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in their science, teaching, and practice.
They should avoid deception unless absolutely necessary and carefully justified.
Justice
The principle that benefits and burdens of research should be distributed fairly, ensuring equal access and protection for all participants.
