Ethics in research

• Overview


  • Ethical guidelines ensure research respects the dignity and well-being of participants, whether they are humans or animals.
  • Psychologists worldwide follow these guidelines to ensure ethical conduct in research.
• Protection from Undue Stress or Harm


  • No harm should be done to participants.
  • Participants should not face humiliation or be forced to reveal private information.
  • "Undue" stress refers to levels of stress higher than those experienced daily.
  • Example: Solving a frustrating puzzle is acceptable; causing permanent physical or psychological harm is not.
• Informed Consent


  • Participants must be fully informed about the nature of the study and agree to participate.
  • They must understand the research and any potential issues.
  • Special considerations for those with mental or physical illnesses, children, or those who may not fully understand the study.
  • Guardians or parents may need to give consent on behalf of participants.
• Deception


  • Sometimes necessary to prevent bias, but must be justified and approved by an ethics board.
  • Should not cause stress or harm and must be minimal.
  • Participants must be debriefed afterward and informed of any deception used.
• Right to Withdraw


  • Participants can withdraw from the study at any time without pressure or coercion.
  • Their data must also be withdrawn from the study if they choose to leave.
• Debriefing


  • At the end of the study, the true aims and purpose must be revealed to participants.
  • Any deception used must be explained and justified.
  • Participants should leave in the same physical and psychological state as they arrived.
  • Guarantee participants' anonymity in the publication of the data.
• Ethical guidelines in psychological research

  They are essential to protect participants from harm, ensure informed consent, manage deception, respect the right to withdraw, and provide proper debriefing. Adhering to these standards ensures the integrity of the research and the well-being of participants.
• Anonymity


  • Ensuring that participants' identities are not linked to any of the data collected in the study.
  • Protects participants from potential repercussions and maintains their privacy.
  • Use of codes or pseudonyms instead of personal names.
  • Removing any identifiable information from the data set.
  • Ensuring that no data can be traced back to individual participants
• Confidentiality


  • Ensuring that all information gathered in a study is kept private and is not disclosed without the participants' consent.
  • Ensures that the information provided by participants is used only for the purposes of the study and is safeguarded from unauthorized access.
  • Storing data securely (e.g., in password-protected files or locked cabinets).
  • Limiting access to data to authorized personnel only.
  • Revealing data only in aggregated form in publications or presentations
• What acronym is used to apply ethical considerations in qualitative research?

  CARDUD
• What does the acronym CARDUD stand for in ethical considerations?

  Consent, Anonymity, Right to withdraw, Deception, Undue stress, Debriefing
• What are the key ethical considerations in qualitative research?

  • Anonymity vs confidentiality
  • Epistemological reflexivity
  • Justice and equitable treatment
  • Objective vs humanistic approach
  • Personal reflexivity
• What ethical concerns might arise from Jimmy Kimmel's interviews?

  Potential lack of consent and anonymity
• What is the first ethical consideration in CARDUD?

  Consent
• Why is anonymity a concern in Kimmel's interviews?

  Participants were filmed and shown on television
• What right do participants have after being deceived in Kimmel's interviews?

  The right to withdraw their data
• What type of deception was used in Kimmel's interviews?

  Deception by commission
• What could be a consequence of undue stress or harm in Kimmel's interviews?

  Participants may feel embarrassed or threatened
• What should be included in the debriefing after Kimmel's interviews?

  Reveal the deception and explain the study's goal
• What is the focus of question 2 on Paper 3?

  Ethics
• How should ethical considerations be linked to Jimmy Kimmel's interviews?

  By explaining how each consideration applies
• What is socially sensitive research according to Sieber & Stanley (1988)?

  Research with potential consequences for participants
• What ethical guideline involves not identifying participants in socially sensitive research?

  Confidentiality
• What does justice and equitable treatment refer to in research ethics?

  Fair treatment and avoiding prejudice
• Why is sound and valid methodology important in research?

  To ensure findings are taken as fact
• What should researchers avoid to maintain ethical standards in reporting findings?

  Overstating interpretations of findings
• What is reflexivity in research ethics?

  Awareness of biases and assumptions
• Why is transparency important in research funding?

  To reflect on funders' potential influence
• What ethical considerations should be taken into account when applying research findings?

  • Confidentiality of participants
  • Justice and equitable treatment
  • Sound and valid methodology
  • Avoiding deception in reporting
  • Reflexivity regarding biases
  • Transparency about funding sources
• What is the key difference between anonymity and confidentiality?

  Anonymity means no identifying information
• How does confidentiality protect participants in qualitative research?

  By separating identifying information from data
• Why is it important to keep participant identities confidential in qualitative research?

  To protect their privacy and safety
• What should researchers avoid to maintain confidentiality?

  Providing identifying information in reports
• What ethical considerations apply to the following research scenarios?

  1. Domestic violence study: Justice, confidentiality
  2. IQ study among immigrants: Justice, confidentiality
  3. ADHD drug study: Transparency, sound methodology
  4. Rap music and violence study: Reflexivity, sound methodology
  5. Anti-bullying program study: Justice, sound methodology