Unit 4: Ethics

Question 1

Informed consent

Answer 1

In research, informed consent is an agreement to participate, with no coercion, given freely and informed of all potential factors that might influence willingness to participate. Legal, voluntary, not coerced.

Question 2

Research ethics board

Answer 2

An advisory board that helps guide research, monitor activity, and resolve dilemmas.

Question 3

Discuss the balance between potential benefit of a research project, and its potential costs to research subjects.

Answer 3

Research has the potential to benefit the larger social good. Psych research rests on the use of animal and human subjects, so ethical guidelines are in place to guide research and avoid/resolve ethical dilemmas. However, research is inherently risky because each new research question is a new situation, meaning potentially unpredictable in terms of harm.

Question 4

What is the researcher’s responsibility with respect to the research participant’s right to privacy?

Answer 4

The researcher’s responsibility WRT right to privacy is to not release the participant’s personal information in a way that is identifiable. Data should be coded so it’s not identifiable. BUT confidentiality is not legally protected, which can be problematic.

Question 5

What is deception?

Answer 5

Deception is when the true purpose of the experiment is obscured. It should be revealed ASAP after the experiment.

Question 6

Why is deception necessary in some research?

Answer 6

Deception may be necessary when the experiment requires that the subjects not know the true purpose.

Question 7

Under what circumstances is deception acceptable in research?

Answer 7

Deception is acceptable when it is justified by the knowledge that will be gained, there is no reasonable alternative, and the subjects will not be harmed in the process.

Question 8

What is debriefing in research?

Answer 8

The process of informing the subjects about the true nature of the experiment after it has been completed, so that they understand and to minimize potential harmful effects of the deception.

Question 9

What functions are served by debriefing?

Answer 9

Debriefing lets the subjects have personal and educational value from the experience. Misunderstandings are avoided, there is time to ask questions and alleviate concerns.

Question 10

Evaluate Milgram’s (1963) obedience research in relation to the ethical principles discussed in this unit.

Answer 10

• would not now be considered ethical
• subjects were in a very distressed state
• potential for lasting effects - disturbing, traumatic
• hard to debrief them in a way that would not leave them feeling shitty
• may have felt resentful

Question 11

Briefly compare the codes of ethics of the Canadian Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association.

Answer 11

APA is the long time standard.

Question 12

Briefly compare the codes of ethics of the Canadian Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association.

Answer 12

APA is the long time standard. 
- researcher is personally responsible for assessing the ethics
- everyone on the research team shares responsibility for ethical experimentation
- informed consent
- freedom to withdraw
- use of deception only when justified
- clear/fair agreement
- protection from physical/mental stress
- removing harmful consequences
- ensuring a positive experience (debriefing)
- confidentiality
CPA in 80's/90's created a heirarchy
- Respect for the dignity of persons
- Responsible caring
- Integrity in relationships
- the larger social good

Question 13

The code of ethics of the American Psychological Association.

Answer 13

APA is the long time standard.

• researcher is personally responsible for assessing the ethics
• everyone on the research team shares responsibility for ethical experimentation
• informed consent
• freedom to withdraw
• use of deception only when justified
• clear/fair agreement
• protection from physical/mental stress
• removing harmful consequences
• ensuring a positive experience (debriefing)
• confidentiality

Question 14

The code of ethics of the Canadian Psychological Association

Answer 14

CPA in 80’s/90’s created a heirarchy

• Respect for the dignity of persons
• Responsible caring
• Integrity in relationships
• the larger social good

Question 15

The code of ethics of the Canadian Psychological Association

Answer 15

CPA in 80’s/90’s created a heirarchy

• Respect for the dignity of persons
• Responsible caring
• Integrity in relationships
• the larger social good

Question 16

What are 4 views of the subjects?

Answer 16

1. a subject to be studied (ethically)
2. a partner in the learning - plays a role in experimental design (feminist/humanist)
3. part owner of the data (Marxist)
4. Doing the experimenter a favour (maybe resentful of over-study)

Question 17

How are animals protected against inhumane treatment as research subjects? (4 ways)

Answer 17

Animals are not seen to have the same rights and responsibilities as humans but have to be treated humanely. APA has guidelines for their use in research:

1. guidelines for their care, use, and killing
2. should be able to reasonably expect a benefit from the research that justifies their use
3. minimize the number used
4. only trained people should handle them, only under the oversight of a care and use committee.

Question 18

How might these ethical guidelines affect the validity of research?

Answer 18

Smaller number of subjects = lower validity of results