ethics

• What is the code of ethics in psychology?


  legal document that instructs psychologists about what behaviour is and is not acceptable when dealing with participants
• What to include in a code of ethics?


  • description of task
  • what is going to happen with data (e.g, anonymity)
  • recognise the right to withdraw
  • space to sign + date
• What are the types of ethical issues faced in psychology

  • P - privacy
  • C - confidentiality
  • D - deception
  • R - right to withdraw
  • I - informed consent
  • P - protection from harm
• What is the definition of informed consent?


  ensure participants are aware of the aims of the research, procedures, rights, and use of data and do not feel obliged/bribed to take part
• How to ensure a participant gives informed consent?


  Consent form that is signed - Participants under age of 16 must have the consent of their parents
• What types of consent are used when informed consent cannot be gained before a study?

  • Presumptive consent
  • Prior general consent
  • Retrospective consent
• What is the definition of presumptive consent?


  a similar group of participants is asked if the study is acceptable
• What is the definition of prior general consent?


  participants consented to multiple studies that often occur unknowingly, some of which involve deception
• What is the definition of retrospective consent?


  asked for consent after study takes place
• What is the definition of deception?


  deliberately misleading or withholding information from participants
• Why can informed consent not always be fully given?


  Can cause demand characteristics if participants guess the aim
• How to ensure a participant isn't deceived because of a study?


  Full debrief at the end of the study - including true aims + other details that they were not supplied with during the study
• What to include in the deception debrief?


  • true aim
  • description of true task
  • reminder that data is anonymous
  • confirm if data can be used
• What is the definition of protection from harm


  participants should not be placed at any more risk than they would be in their daily lives and should be protected from psychological and physical harm
• How to ensure participants are protected from harm?


  • Reminded of their right to withdraw - can't withdraw after the deadline (2 weeks)
  • Should be offered counseling if affected by study
• What is the definition of privacy?


  participants have the right to privacy, including the setting they are tested in
• What is the definition of confidentiality?


  participants names + identities should be protected during and after the experiment
• How to ensure the confidentiality of participants?


  Researchers should avoid recording personal details allowing participants to remain anonymous

  • may be issued a number/pseudonym