Ethics

Question 1

What must all researchers adhere to?

Answer 1

The British Psychological Society (BPS) Code of Ethics

Question 2

Why are ethical guidelines important?

Answer 2

Ensures safety, fairness and wellbeing of everyone involved in the study.

Question 3

When may unethical procedures be justified?

Answer 3

If they ultimate outcome is good for humankind e.g. animal testing for medicinal purposes.

Question 4

What are the 4 key ethical issues that have to be considered?

Answer 4

1. The use of deception
2. Informed consent
3. Protection from harm
4. Confidentiality

Question 5

In what circumstances is deception justified and what must happen after the study if deception is involved?

Answer 5

It can be justified if the issue being studied can only be explored in this way and if the study is important.
All deceived p’s must be fully debriefed after the study and be given the right to withdraw their data.

Question 6

What are 3 situations where informed consent is not possible and what are 3 other ways to obtain consent?

Answer 6

1. The p’s are children/people who are limited in their understanding.
2. Deception is necessary.
3. Field experiments

Question 7

What are 3 other ways to obtain consent when it is not possible to obtain informed consent?

Answer 7

1. Presumptive consent
2. Prior general consent
3. After the study after debriefing and allowing p’s to withdraw their data if they wish.

Question 8

What are the two types of harm that could happen during a study?

Answer 8

1. Physcial

2. Psychological