Types Of Experiments

Question 1

Informed consent

Answer 1

At the start of a study participants should be given information about the purpose of the study.
They should be told they can leave at any time (right to withdraw) so an informed decision can be made.
If the researcher doesn’t reveal the aim at the start participants must be informed at the end.

Question 2

Deception

Answer 2

Participants should not be lied to or misled about the aims of the study.
Mild deception is justifiable. Major deception is used but this is only permitted if the benefits justify the action.

Question 3

Protection from harm

Answer 3

Participants’ physical and psychological safety should be protected at all times.
Stress and embarrassment is included in this.
Participants must be reminded they can leave at any time.

Question 4

Privacy

Answer 4

Participants have the right to control information about themselves.
It is acceptable to make observations of people in public places but a public place is also quite private.

Question 5

Confidentiality

Answer 5

Personal data should be protected and respected.

Question 6

The BPS guidelines

Answer 6

A code of conduct that every professional psychologist in the UK has to follow so that they can deal with ethical issues that crop up in their research.

Question 7

Dealing with informed consent

Answer 7

Participants (or guardians) sign a form that tells them what is expected of them.
If this is not possible at the start, they sign a form at the end of the study (retrospective consent).

Question 8

Dealing with deception and protection from harm

Answer 8

Participants should be given a full debriefing at the end of an investigation to explain the true aims and/or reduce any distress.
They should be offered counselling and the chance to withdraw their data.

Question 9

Dealing with privacy and confidentiality

Answer 9

All participants should be anonymous. They can be referred to by a number or initials.