Psychology - Research methods (Ethics)

• Informed consent 


  • adults classed over 16 years old
  • parental consent needed for those under 16 years old
  • presumptive consent and prior general consent
• Right to withdraw at any time 


  • should be aware and highlighted this
• Confidentiality 


  • right to this guideline
• Deception


  • if not told before, told after in debrief
• Debrief


  • if deception is used
• Harm and distress


  • protect from physical and psychological harm during study
  • risk of harm must never exceed that experienced in real life
• The 6 guidelines

  1. Informed consent
  2. Right to withdraw at any time
  3. Confidentiality
  4. Deception
  5. Debrief
  6. Harm and distress
• The BPS 


  British Psychology Society issue the guidelines for researchers in the UK