The BPS Code Of Human Research Ethics(2010)

Question 1

What are the four main ethical principles ?

Answer 1

1. ) Respect for the autonomy, privacy and dignity of people
2. )Competence
3. )Social Responsibility
4. ) Integrity: maximising Benefit and Minimising Harm

Question 2

What ethical issues commonly arise in research?

Answer 2

• informed consent
• Withdrawal
• Debriefing
• Privacy
• Confidentiality
• Deception
• Protection if participants from harm
• requests from participants for advice

Question 3

What are the ethical issues that are organised to fall within the four main core principles

Answer 3

1. ) Respect: informed consent, confidentiality, privacy, right to withdraw
2. ) Competence: Awareness of professional ethics and making ethical decisions
3. ) Responsibility: protection from harm and debriefing
4. ) Integrity: Honesty(avoid deception) and addressing misconduct

Question 4

What are some DO’s for student research?

Answer 4

• be sensitive to feelings of participants; treat them with respect. Be polite and friendly, and show gratitude for their participation. Use respectful language in written reports
• Make sure that you plan( and carry out where applicable) all routine ethical procedures, I. E informed consent… there may be additional ethical issues specific to your study
• avoid sensitive topics, as these involve greater risk of harming participants
• approach other students (16+) and staff at your school/ college to be participants
• collect data from participants in a safe, familiar environment, preferably within your school
• ensure you’re research is ethical
• tell your teacher immediately if a participant appears to be distressed or unwell, or if they ask you for help or advice

Question 5

What are some Dont’s for student research?

Answer 5

Don’t intimidate participants or put them under pressure

Question 6

What are some don’ts for student research ?

Answer 6

• Don’t intimídate participants or put them under pressure to take part. Don’t embarrass or humiliate them. Don’t abuse the ‘power’of the researcher Role
• don’t treat ethics as a ‘bolt on’, ethical awareness and practice and key in developing research skills
• don’t ask people about personal experiences of sensitive topics such as their health, relationship, sexual behaviour, drugs, violence, abuse, trauma and discrimination

Question 7

Competence

Answer 7

Professional research should have scientific value and therefore contribute psychological knowledge.
However for student research this may not be relevant as an ethical consideration
Requests for advice from participants

Question 8

Responsibility

Answer 8

Protection from Harm
“Harm to research participants must be avoided… the risk of harm must be no greater than that encountered in real life’

Question 9

Integrity

Answer 9

Participants should not be deliberately misinformed about the aim or procedure of the study. If minor deception is planned, researchers must be able to justify this decision.
It may be argued that the behaviour would be impossible to investigate in any other way

Question 10

Respect

Answer 10

Right to withdraw
Participants must be told that they Have a right to withdraw, without penalty without having to give any reason, at any stage of the research.