Ethical Considerations

• code of ethics


  legal document that instructs psychologists about what behaviour is/isn't acceptable when dealing with PPs
• first issue - informed consent


  ensuring PPs are aware of research aims, procedures, their rights and what data will be used and PPs shouldn't feel obligated to participate

  • consent form should be signed
• types of consent


  presumptive consent - a similar group of PPs are asked if the study is acceptable

  prior general consent - they have consented to multiple studies, including some which may involve deception

  retrospective consent - they're asked for consent after the study has taken place
• second issue - deception


  deliberately misleading or withholding information from PPs so informed consent can't be fully given

  • PPs should be given full debrief at end of study, including true aims and asking to still use data
• third issue - protection from harm

  PPs shouldn't be placed at any more risk then they would be in their daily lives and should be protected from physical/psychological harm

  • PPs should eb told they have the right to withdraw themselves and their data and offered counselling
• fourth issue - privacy


  PPs have right to privacy, including settings in which they're tested

  • they should only be tested in legitimate settings
• final issue - confidentiality


  names and identities should be protected during and after experiment

  • researchers should avoid recording personal details so PPs can stay anonymous