Ethics

Question 1

Define deception

Answer 1

intentionally providing false info and withholding info in order to mislead

Question 2

What are problems with deception?

Answer 2

• can cause physical/emotional distress to subjects
• undermines subjects’ autonomy and violated their right to choose
• can harm science and entire human research field
• public trust and confidence in the findings of studies can be eroded > reduced public support

Question 3

What are ethical uses of deception?

Answer 3

• can help control demand characteristics (withholding hypothesis, conditions, etc that would influence subjects’ behaviour)
• researchers may only use it when justified by study’s value/no other way

Question 4

How can experiments be made more ethical?

Answer 4

• give subjects informed consent
• if any info is withheld, debrief subjects directly after study is over
• allow subjects to withdraw from study at any time + withdraw their data after study

Question 5

What were ways Milgram was influential in research?

Answer 5

• developed pilot studies: test runs for experiments to detect problems before actual study
• did manipulation checks: to see if treatments are realistic to subjects
• used many measurement tools: self-reports. open-ended questions, recorded convos

Question 6

What was the Stanford prison experiment?

Answer 6

• prison constructed in basement of uni campus
• examined the impact of situational variables on participants’ reactions and behaviours
• aimed to be a natural experiment rather than lab
• informed consent: could leave any time
• shut down after 6 days > psyc. and emotional trauma