research methods - ethics

Question 1

what are the ethical issues?

Answer 1

deception, privacy and confidentiality, psychological harm and informed consent.

Question 2

what is deception?

Answer 2

This is when a researcher deliberately misleads or withholds information from a P.P.
Occasionally this is justified when it doesn’t cause harm. For example, by not telling an experimental group there is a controlled group as it may affect their behaviour.

Question 3

how can we assure deception is not an issue ?

Answer 3

At the end of the study they should be given a debrief where they’re told EVERYTHING that happened and what will happen with the data obtained. They should also be offered counselling.

Question 4

what is privacy?

Answer 4

P.P can control information about themselves, this is their privacy rights. Any personal data should be protected.

Question 5

how can we assure P.P data is confidential?

Answer 5

Use numbers or initials to refer to P.P to keep them anonymous. In briefing and debriefing P.P should be reminded that their data will be confidential.

Question 6

what is informed consent?

Answer 6

Participants should know the full aims, their rights, what will happen with the data collected and procedure of the study before it takes place. From this, participants can take an informed decision to be apart of the research. This could be problematic in research because the P.P may act different If the know the aims.

Question 7

how can we assure P.P give informed consent?

Answer 7

To ensure a person gives informed consent they should be issued a letter detailing the study which is signed. >16 requires parental signature.

Question 8

how to write a debrief?

Answer 8

1. Thank you for taking part in the study
2. Explain the aim
3. Information about other conditions and what happened, including your prediction of the study
4. Explain ethical rights including right to withdraw
5. Ask if they have any questions
6. Will be written in past tense
7. Offer counselling if necessary

Question 9

how to write a consent form?

Answer 9

1. Leave space for P.P name
2. Leave space for the date
3. Outline what the study involves – be explicit
4. Outline their ethical rights – right to withdraw – confidentiality and privacy
5. Must leave space for them to sign
6. ask if they have any questions

Question 10

HOW TO WRITE STNDARDISED INSTRUCTIONS

Answer 10

Thank you for agreeing to take part in the study
Please do the following… (instructions)
The following ethical procedures have been put in place… (at least 3 issues)
Thank you again
Please let me know if you have any questions

Question 11

what are the bps code of ethics?

Answer 11

The BPS Code of Ethics is a document produced by the British Psychological Society, which details the general principles that apply to the use of human participants in all research contexts. It focuses on four major principles: respect, competence, responsibility and integrity.