Week 8 Flashcards
What is the definition of ethics in psychological research?
The science of morals or rules of behavior (BPS Code of Ethics).
Why are ethics important in research?
Protect participants from harm.
Clarify acceptable research conditions.
Build trust in psychological science.
Ensure adherence to moral principles.
Q3: What are the four principles of the BPS Code of Ethics?
Respect: Dignity and worth of individuals.
Competence: High standards of expertise.
Responsibility: Accountability to clients and the public.
Integrity: Honesty and fairness in interactions.
Q4: What is informed consent?
Participants must be informed about the study’s objectives, procedures, risks, and benefits, and provide consent willingly
How is informed consent handled for special populations?
Children under 16: Obtain parental consent.
Impaired individuals: Consult family or guardians.
Longitudinal studies: Repeated consent may be required.
When is deception allowed in research?
Only when justified by significant benefits.
Alternatives must be considered first.
Participants must be debriefed afterward and allowed to withdraw their data.
Q7: What is debriefing, and why is it important?
Explains the study’s true purpose and ensures participants leave in the same state they entered. It helps address any negative effects.
What rights do participants have regarding withdrawal?
Participants can leave the study at any time and request their data to be destroyed.
What are the ethical guidelines for confidentiality?
Anonymize participant data unless explicit consent is given.
Comply with Data Protection Act (1998) and GDPR (2018).
What is the purpose of the Belmont Report (1979)?
To establish principles for protecting research participants:
Respect for Persons: Protect autonomy.
Beneficence: Maximize benefits, minimize harm.
Justice: Ensure fair treatment.
What are key ethical violations in Milgram’s experiment?
Deception: Participants thought the shocks were real.
Informed Consent: Misled participants about the study’s purpose.
Protection: Caused stress and visible tension.
Q12: How did Milgram address ethical concerns in debriefing?
Participants were informed the shocks were fake, met the confederate, and underwent follow-up psychological testing to ensure no harm.
What are the key laws governing ethics in the UK?
Human Rights Act (1998): Right to privacy.
Mental Capacity Act (2005): Oversight for participants who cannot consent.
Freedom of Information Act (2000): Public access to research data.
Data Protection and GDPR (2018): Regulates use of personal data.
What should researchers do in observational studies without consent?
Ensure observations occur only in public spaces where privacy is not expected
What are researchers’ responsibilities when encountering participant issues?
Offer advice only if qualified.
Refer serious issues to appropriate professionals.
