Ethical issues

• What is a major ethical issue in research?

  Informed consent
• Why is informed consent considered tricky?

  Participants may not fully understand or may feel pressured
• What must researchers ensure regarding informed consent?

  Participants give free and fully informed consent
• What do ethical research principles generally address?

  Deception, animal use, and computer use
• What are the strategies to deal with ethical issues in research?

  • Ethical guidelines (code of conduct)
  • Cost-benefit analysis
  • Ethics committees
• What is the current version of the ethical code of conduct?

  BPS, 2009
• What does cost-benefit analysis evaluate in research?

  Costs against the benefits of research
• What should researchers consider in a cost-benefit analysis?

  Time, expense, and potential risks
• What do ethics committees assess in research proposals?

  Welfare of participants and ethical precautions
• What can happen if unethical behavior occurs in research?

  Disciplinary action by the professional body
• What sanctions can the BPS impose for unethical behavior?

  Reprimand or removal from the register
• What does informed consent require from researchers?

  Provide enough information for decision-making
• What must participants be informed about regarding their participation?

  Their right to withdraw without penalty
• When must deception be explained to participants?

  During the debrief after participation
• What is required for protection from harm in research?

  Inform participants of risks and benefits
• What must researchers consider regarding participants' right to withdraw?

  How to manage data if they leave
• What should researchers do to ensure confidentiality?

  Protect data from unauthorized access
• What is considered sensitive personal information in research?

  Information requiring informed consent to include
• What are key terms related to ethical issues in research?

  • Cost-benefit analysis
  • Debriefing
  • Ethical guidelines (code of conduct)
  • Ethics committees
  • Presumptive consent
• What is debriefing in research?

  A conversation after participation
• What is presumptive consent?

  Asking a similar group for consent opinions
• How can a group improve their understanding of ethical issues?

  • Create informed consent documents
  • Develop ethical guidelines
  • Discuss and reach consensus
  • Engage with ethics committees
• What should be done if a group does not agree on ethical issues?

  Discuss as a whole class for consensus
• Why is it important to discuss ethical issues with more people?

  To gain diverse perspectives and insights
• What must the informed consent process ensure?

  Participants understand what they are agreeing to
• What is the role of ethical guidelines in research?

  To provide rules for ethical conduct
• How should researchers handle confidentiality in studies involving social media?

  Use pseudonyms and prevent identification
• What considerations should be made regarding sensitive information in research?

  Obtain informed consent before including it