Ethics

• ethical issues:

  what is deception 


  Deliberately misleading participants sometimes needs to be done to avoid demand characteristics

  if occurs debrief must be done
• ethical issues:

  what is right to withdraw


  participants should know they can withdraw at anytime

  should know how to withdraw

  data will also be removed
• ethical issues:

  what is informed consent


  participants should be aware of the aims and their rights

  should know as much about the procedure before it starts

  some argue its pointless as can lead to demand characteristics
• ethical issues:

  what is protection from harm


  should not be harmed physically, psychologically and emotion

  should leave in the same state as they entered

  includes stress and embarrassment

  should be able to withdraw if they feel unconformable
• ethical issues:

  what is confidentiality


  data being protected

  removing names and any identifying details to keep anonymity

  enforced by the data protection act
• ethical issues:

  what is privacy


  not invading privacy

  participants should have control information about themselves
• Dealing with ethical issues:

  deception


  Debriefing to explain the real aim

  allow them to ask any questions

  emphasise right to withdraw
• Dealing with ethical issues:

  right to withdraw


  should be informed at the beginning, throughout and the end

  if chose there should be no pressure to continue

  task avoidance = sign to withdraw

  data should be destroyed
• Dealing with ethical issues:

  informed consent

  Adults sign consent form

  if child - must get adult
• Dealing with ethical issues:

  protection from harm


  asks colleagues and ethic communities

  stop at first sign of harm

  debrief all and offer after care
• Dealing with ethical issues:

  confidentiality 


  allocate numbers/letters/codes to participants —-> anonymous

  consent must be gained for their data to be used
• who deals with ethical issues in the uk?

  British Psychological Society Guidelines (BSP)
• what is presumptive consent?

  a similar group is asked if they think the study is acceptable, if they say yes then consent is presumed for the original participants
• what is prior general consent?

  participants give consent to take part in a number of different studies (including one that involves deception) —> by consenting they are agreeing to be deceived
• what is retrospective consent?

  participants are asked for consent during debriefing

  may have not aware they were taking part in the study or may have been deceived