Ethics

• What are ethical issues in research?

  The rules governing the conduct of researchers' investigations
• What is the main consideration of ethical issues in research?

  The health and dignity of participants should be protected
• Which organization published a Code of Ethics for psychologists?

  The British Psychological Society (BPS)
• What must researchers do before conducting a research study?

  Assess and act upon all ethical considerations
• What should researchers do if negative consequences arise during research?

  Stop the research and correct the negative consequences
• What should researchers do if they have ethical concerns about a colleague's work?

  Contact the colleague first, then the BPS if unresolved
• What are the key components of the Code of Ethics?

  • Informed consent
  • Avoidance of deception
  • Adequate briefing/debriefing
  • Protection of participants
  • Right to withdraw
  • Confidentiality/anonymity
  • Observational research
  • No incentives to participate
• What is informed consent in research?

  Participants must be given sufficient details to make a considered choice
• When is parental consent required in research?

  For children under 16 years of age
• What is the stance on deception in research?

  Withholding information is unacceptable if participants are likely to object
• What is presumptive consent?

  Consent gained from people of a similar background to participants
• What is prior general consent?

  Participants agree to be deceived without knowing how
• What is retrospective consent?

  Asking participants for consent after they have participated
• What must happen if deception is used in research?

  Participants must be informed immediately afterwards
• What is the purpose of adequate briefing/debriefing?

  To explain all relevant details of a study to participants
• What is the responsibility of investigators regarding participants' protection?

  To protect participants from physical and mental harm
• What does the right to withdraw mean for participants?

  Participants can leave a study at any time and withdraw their data
• What is confidentiality in research?

  Participants' data should not be disclosed without agreement
• What is anonymity in research?

  Data cannot be traced back to participants' names
• Where can observational research be conducted?

  Only in public places where people expect to be observed
• What should not be offered to participants in research?

  Bribes or promised rewards for participation
• How does psychological research contribute to the economy?

  • Creates effective therapies for mental disorders
  • Reduces financial costs for mental health treatment
  • Allows individuals to return to work
  • Increases tax contributions and economic productivity
• What percentage of people will spend time in a mental institution?

  Ten percent
• What is the effect of effective therapies on the economy?

  They allow many people to return to work and contribute financially
• What did Koran et al. (2000) study find about olanzapine?

  It had a positive effect on treatment of resistant forms of OCD
• What is the benefit of research into technophobia treatment?

  It can help individuals return to work and contribute to the economy
• What types of treatments are mentioned as beneficial from research?

  Behaviourist treatments for phobias and cognitive treatments of depression
• What is the significance of research in psychology?

  It leads to practical applications that improve society