research methods-ethics

Question 1

what are ethics

Answer 1

the rules of conduct necessary when carrying out research

Question 2

when are ethical issues present

Answer 2

when there is a dilemma between what the researcher wants to do and the rights and dignity of the participant

Question 3

who sets out the guidelines/the code of ethics and conduct

Answer 3

the BPS
British Psychological Society

Question 4

what are the principles the code of conduct sets out

Answer 4

respect
competence
responsibility
integrity

Question 5

what are the 5 ethical guidelines

Answer 5

Certainly=consent
Cannot=confidentiality
Do=deception
With=withdraw (right to)
Participants=protection from harm

Question 6

what type of consent should participants be giving

Answer 6

informed consent-they should be given ALL the relevant information that may affect their decision to participate

Question 7

who cannot give consent

Answer 7

children under 16 (not mentally mature enough)
those under influence of drugs, alcohol and mentally unfit

Question 8

what is presumptive consent

Answer 8

researcher will speak to a similar group of people. If they would be happy to take part consent will be presumed

Question 9

what is prior general consent

Answer 9

participants giving consent to take part in a number of different studies

Question 10

what is retrospective consent

Answer 10

asking for consent after the study

Question 11

why do some researchers not gain informed consent

Answer 11

there may be validity issues

Question 12

what happens after an experiment has been conducted

Answer 12

debrief them-even if there has been no ethical issues
they will be made aware of aims/any deception that took place
the aim of this is to restore participants to their original state

Question 13

how can you avoid confidentiality issues

Answer 13

by using pseudonyms or initials
however sometimes details are needed for follow up research so they are locked in a secure location eg-encrypted file or locked cabinet

Question 14

how do you protect the participants from harm

Answer 14

-the risk of harm should be no greater than in everyday life
-must protect them from stress
-must offer the right to withdraw
-they should terminate the study if its causing harm

Question 15

what is an ethics committee

Answer 15

carry out a cost-benefit analysis
the cost of the ethical issues vs potential benefits like adding to out understanding

Question 16

what are some weaknesses of having an ethics committee

Answer 16

-the decision is subjective as you cant quantify the costs and benefits to society
-its is difficult to predict the costs and benefits before the research is carried out-we cant predict how the participants will react
-as they are part of the uni they may be biased towards carrying out the research