Ethics

• What is the responsibility of researchers in psychology towards participants?

  To look after their participants
• What are participants' rights in psychological research?

  To be informed and to withdraw
• Who writes the ethical guidelines in America for psychologists?

  The American Psychological Association
• Which organization writes the ethical guidelines in the UK?

  The British Psychological Society
• What is the nature of the BPS's ethical guidelines?

  They are advisory and can be bent
• What happens if a psychologist seriously mistreats participants?

  They may be expelled from the BPS
• What is informed consent in psychological research?

  Participants must understand the study's aims
• What should happen if participants cannot give consent?

  A parent or guardian can give consent
• What is the right to withdraw in research?

  Participants can end their participation anytime
• What must researchers consider regarding protection from harm?

  Participants' psychological and physical well-being
• How should personal records be handled in research?

  They should be kept securely
• When can confidentiality be broken?

  If a participant or others are in danger
• What is debriefing in psychological research?

  A conversation explaining the study to participants
• What should be checked during debriefing?

  For any harm caused to participants
• What ethical issues can arise in psychological research?

  Balancing participants' rights and valid data collection
• What did Milgram's study breach regarding informed consent?

  Participants were deceived about the study's purpose
• How did Milgram's study violate the right to withdraw?

  Participants were pressured to continue the study
• What harm did participants experience in Milgram's study?

  Many suffered emotional distress
• What confidentiality issue arose in Milgram's study?

  Participants' recordings were released publicly
• What is a cost-benefit analysis in research ethics?

  Comparing costs to participants with societal benefits
• Why is Milgram's study considered influential despite ethical issues?

  It raises important questions about authority and morality
• What is the role of an ethics committee in research?

  To evaluate research based on ethical principles
• What happens at the debriefing stage regarding ethical issues?

  Participants are informed about deception and harm
• What are the ethical guidelines for psychological research according to the BPS?

  • Informed consent
  • Right to withdraw
  • Protection from harm
  • Confidentiality
  • Debriefing
• What are the alternatives to informed consent to avoid demand characteristics?

  • Prior general consent
  • Retroactive consent
  • Presumptive consent
• What should be included in a debriefing form?

  • Explanation of the study's purpose
  • Information on any deception used
  • Reminder of the right to withdraw data
  • Support for any harm caused
• What are the potential costs and benefits in a cost-benefit analysis?

  • Costs: emotional or physical harm to participants
  • Benefits: knowledge gained for society
• What is the significance of Milgram's study in psychology?

  • Highlights the conflict between authority and morality
  • Raises ethical questions about research methods