ethics

• Deception

  when pts are deliberately mislead about the true nature of the study

  HOW TO DEAL?

  -tell them the truth in the debrief

  -offer them the right to withdraw their results if they are unhappy
• Lack of informed consent

  Revealing the true aims and purpose of the research to pts before giving them the choice of consenting or refusing to participate

  -may cause pts to be distrustful of psychology research in the future

  HOW TO DEAL?

  -children under 16 = parental consent needed
• Lack of protection from harm

  Ensuring all pts come to no more harm than they would in everyday life

  Can be both physical and psychological harm

  Leaving the experiment in the same state as they arrived

  HOW TO DEAL?

  -in the debrief ask if they are okay and offer therapy if needed

  -give contact details if they have questions or need help
• Lack of confidentiality

  Pts having the right for their data to remain anonymous e.g their name should not be given away

  HOW TO DEAL?

  -use code names, initials or code numbers to preserve identity
• Lack of right to withdraw

  Pts must be made aware before during and after the study they have the right to leave the study at any time

  HOW TO DEAL?

  -retrospective withdrawal

  -ask pts if they are happy to have their results in the study and destroy if not