Ethical issues & pilot studies

Question 1

What is the BPS code of ethics?

Answer 1

• legal document produced by the British psychological society that instructs psychologists in the UK about what behaviour is and is not acceptable when dealing with participants

Question 2

Why do ethical issues arise?

Answer 2

• These arise when a conflict exists between participants right and researcher needs to produce valuable, authentic data

Question 3

What are the 6 ethical issues?

Answer 3

• right to withdraw (any time)
• Deception ( debrief)
• debrief
• protection from harm (a debrief, counselling)
• informed consent
• confidentiality

Question 4

What is a pilot study?

Answer 4

• A pilot study is a small-scale trial that takes place before the real investigation.

Question 5

What is the aim of a pilot study?

Answer 5

• The aim is to check that aspect of the design work and any modifications can be made if necessary

Question 6

What is a single-blind procedure?

Answer 6

• When participants are not aware of the aims of the study to control effect of demand characteristics

Question 7

What is a double blinded procedure?

Answer 7

When both the researcher and participants are not aware of the aims of the study
- controls effect of demand characteristics & investigator bias

Question 8

What is a control group used for in experiment studies?

Answer 8

• for the purpose of comparison between experimental group

Question 9

What to include in consent form?

Answer 9

• purpose of the study
• what they have to do in study
• ethical issues e.g right to withdraw, confidentiality, debrief
• please sign here/agreement