Ethics

• What are ethical issues in research studies?

  They arise when there is a conflict between the rights of participants and the goals of the research.
• Why might a researcher choose not to reveal the true purpose of a study?

  To elicit more natural behavior from participants.
• What are the ethical dilemmas associated with misleading participants in research?

  It raises questions about justification, potential psychological distress, and the acceptability of deception.
• What are the four major ethical issues to consider when planning research?

  1. Informed Consent
  2. Deception
  3. Protection from Harm
  4. Privacy and Confidentiality
• What must participants be informed about when giving informed consent?

  They must know the aims of the study, the procedure, their rights, and how their data will be used.
• How can informed consent potentially affect the validity of a study?

  It may lead to unnatural behavior if participants are aware of the study's aims.
• What is presumptive consent in research?

  It involves asking a similar group if they find the study acceptable, presuming consent from actual participants if they agree.
• What is prior general consent?

  Participants consent to being involved in multiple studies, including those that may involve deception.
• What is retrospective consent?

  It is when participants give consent during debriefing after the experiment has taken place.
• What should participants receive before any experiment?

  A consent letter with all relevant information that may affect their willingness to participate.
• What is the role of a parent in the consent process for research involving children?

  Parents must give consent for children under 16 to participate in research.
• What does deception in research mean?

  It means deliberately misleading or withholding information from a participant at any stage of a study.
• When might deception in research be justified?

  If the research is not going to cause the participant undue distress.
• What is the principle of protection from harm in research?

  Participants should never be placed at more risk than they would be in their everyday lives.
• What types of psychological harm should be avoided in research?

  Participants should not feel embarrassed, inadequate, or placed under undue stress.
• What should participants be given at the end of a study?

  A full debrief explaining the true aims of the study and any withheld details.
• What assurances should participants receive during debriefing?

  They must be assured that their data will be protected and that they have the right to withhold their data.
• What should be done if a participant feels they have been subject to harm?

  Counseling must be made available to them.
• What is the right of privacy in research?


  Participants have the right to control information about themselves.
• What does confidentiality mean in the context of research?

  It is the right to have personal data protected under the Data Protection Act.
• What is the BPS Code of Ethics?

  It is a quasi-legal document that instructs psychologists in the UK about acceptable practices when dealing with participants.
• What are the four major principles of the BPS Code of Ethics?

  Respect, competence, responsibility, and integrity.
• What is the purpose of the BPS Code of Conduct?

  To ensure that all participants are treated with respect and consideration.
• How do ethics committees determine if research is ethically fit?

  They use a cost-benefit analysis to weigh research goals against potential participant distress.