ETHICS

• Ethics


  Ethical considerations are in place to ensure the health and dignity of participants are protected during psychological research
• Researchers have to consider all ethical issues within research before it is conducted
• The British Psychological Society (BPS) has a published code of conduct that all psychologists must follow
• Ethical committees are in place at universities and research institutions to review proposed research and ensure they abide by the BPS code of conduct
• Informed Consent


  Participants should have detailed information about the research to be able to make a informed decision about taking part in the research
• Informed Consent (for minors)

  If participants are below the age of 16, parental consent needs to be gained
• Informed Consent (for impaired individuals)

  Those who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not able to give formed consent
• Protection of Participants


  Participants must leave the research in the same physical and mental state they started it
• Protection of Participants


  Participants must be protected from both physical and mental harm
• Avoidance of Deception


  If the participant is likely to object once they are debriefed, deception should not have happened
• Avoidance of Deception


  Unless there is medical or scientific justification, participants should not be deceived
• Gaining consent when deception is needed

  1. Prior general consent

  2. Presumptive consent

  3. Retrospective consent
• Anonymity/Confidentiality


  Participants data should not be disclosed
• Anonymity/Confidentiality


  Numbers should be used instead of names
• Anonymity/Confidentiality


  Confidential data means it can be traced back to the participants
• Anonymity/Confidentiality


  Anonymous data means it cannot be traced back to the participants
• Briefing/Debriefing


  All relevant information should be adequately explained to participants both before and after the study takes place
• Briefing/Debriefing


  If deception has been used, the debrief is important to explain this and ensure participants understand the true reasons for the research
• Right to Withdraw


  Participants should be aware they have the right to withdraw from the study/research at any time, even after it has finished
• Incentives to Take Part


  Participants should not receive or offered bribes or promises to take part