ethical issues

• Ethical issues - these arise when a conflict exists between the rights of participants in research studies and the goals of research to produce authentic, valid and worthwhile data
• BPS code of ethics - a quasi-legal document produced by the British Psychological Society (BPS) that instructs psychologists in the UK about what behaviour is and is not acceptable when dealing with pps
• The BPS code of ethics is built around four major principles: respect, competence, responsibility and integrity
• Informed consent - making participants aware of the aims and procedures of the research and informing them of their right to withdraw
• Pps should be issued with a consent letter or form detailing all relevant information that may affect their decision to take part. This is signed by the participant
• Deception - deliberately misleading or withholding information from pps, for example lying to pps about the aim of study
• Pps should be given a full debrief after the experiment where they are made aware of the true aims and details of the study
• Right to Withdraw - pps should be aware they can leave the study at any time and up to a certain period after the study
• Protection from Harm - pps should not be placed at any more risk than in their everyday lives. They should be protected by physical and psychological harm
• Researchers need to consider if harm has been caused to pps and offer suitable support. If pps have been subjected to stress, for example counselling should be offered by the researcher
• Privacy - right of participant to control information about them

  Confidentiality - pps right to have any personal data protected
• • Personal details of pps must be protected
  • Record no personal entails and ensure pps remain anonymous