research methods- ethical issues

Question 1

what’s the issue with conflict when researching?

Answer 1

when a conflict exists between the rights of p’s and the aims of the researcher

Question 2

how is conflict dealt with?

Answer 2

-BPS code of conduct
-ethics committees

Question 3

BPS code of conduct

Answer 3

quasi-legal document to protect p’s based on four principles:
-respect
-competence
-responsibility
-integrity

Question 4

ethics committees

Answer 4

weigh up costs (e.g. potential harm) and benefits (e.g. value of research) before deciding whether a study should go ahead

Question 5

what’s the ethical issue with getting permission?

Answer 5

informed consent
-informed judgement ab whether to take part (may reveal aims)

Question 6

how is informed consent dealt with?

Answer 6

-sing consent form, where appropriate seek parental consent

Question 7

what are the alternative forms of consent?

Answer 7

-presumptive
-prior general
-retrospective

Question 8

presumptive consent

Answer 8

ask a similar group

Question 9

prior general consent

Answer 9

agree to be deceived

Question 10

retrospective consent

Answer 10

consent after study

Question 11

what’s the ethical issue with deception?

Answer 11

-deliberately misleading or withholding info so consent is not informed. but mild deception is ok

Question 12

how is deception dealt with?

Answer 12

end of study p’s should be given a debrief where they’re advised of:
-true aims of investigation
-details not given during the study (i.e. existence of other conditions)
-what their data will be used for
-their right to withhold data

Question 13

what’s the ethical issue with risk in research?

Answer 13

-p’s should be at no more risk than everyday life
-protection from harm

Question 14

how is protection from harm dealt with?

Answer 14

-given right to withdraw at each stage of research process
-reassured their behaviour was typical/normal during debriefing
-researcher provide counselling is p’s have been distressed

Question 15

what is the ethical issue with privacy and confidentiality?

Answer 15

-have the right to control info ab ourselves
-if this is invaded confidentiality should be respected

Question 16

how is privacy and confidentiality dealt with?

Answer 16

-personal details held must be protected (legal requirement). usually no personal details are recorded
-researchers refer to p’s using numbers, initials or false names
-p’s personal stat cannot be shared with other researchers