ethical issues

• what are ethical issues?

  issues that come up when a conflict exists between the rights of participants in research studies and the goals of research to produce authentic, valid and worthwhile data
• what is the BPS code of ethics?

  quasi-legal document produced by the BPS that instructs psychologists in the UK about what behaviour is/isn't acceptable when dealing with participants.

  
  

  built around respect, competence, responsibility and integrity.
• issues with deception

  misleading or withholding information from the participant deliberatley

  if not enough information is given, informed consent cannot be given.

  can only be justified if it doesn't cause any undue stress.
• issues with informed consent

  makes participants aware of APE and data usage

  should make an informed decision without feeling coerced or obliged

  
  

  asking for cones may make information "meaningless' - behaviour won't be natural.
• issues with protection from harm

  physical or psychological

  shouldn't be exposed to any more harm that they would experience in their day to day life

  psychological harm - embarrassment, feelings of inadequacy, undue stress

  reminded of the right to withdraw
• issues with confidentiality

  participants have a right to privacy

  
  

  institutions of geographical locations can't be named
• dealing with informed consent

  participants receive consent document with relevant information that may affect their willingness to participate

  parental consent to U18
• what does the debrief contain?

  true aims and all details - existence of other groups and experimental conditions

  told what data is used for

  given the right to withhold data

  reassurance of their behavior
• dealing with confidentiality

  personal details must be protected

  doesn't record any personal details - maintain anonymity

  use numbers or initials

  reminder data is protected (brief and debrief)
• what is presumptive consent

  when a group of people ( from the target population) are asked if the study is acceptable (random sample)
• what is prior general consent?

  permission to do numerous studies including one involving deception
• what is retraspective consent?

  participants are asked for consent having already done the study.