4.2.3.1 ETHICS Flashcards
why are ethical considerations in place?
to ensure the health and dignity of participants are protected during psychological research
what is the BPS?
British Psychological Society
- the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK
- is responsible for the promotion of excellence and ethical practise in the science, education, and practical applications of the discipline
what are 4 key principles?
- the most recent code of ethics and conduct identifies these 4 key principles
1) respect
2) competence
3) responsibility
4) integrity
what is informed consent?
- making participants aware of the aims of the research, procedures, their rights and what the data will be used for
-> in order to make an informed decision about taking part in the research - if ppts are under 16, parental consent is required
- those under the influence of alcohol or drugs aren’t able to give informed consent
- makes data meaningless because ppts behaviour won’t be natural
what is protection from harm?
- ppts shouldn’t be placed at any more risk than they would be daily
ie) embarrassed / inadequate / undue / stress / pressure - an important feature is reminding them they have the right to withdraw at any point
- should leave the research in the same physical and mental state they started it
what is deception?
- deliberately misleading / withholding information from ppts at any stage of investigation
when should deception not happen?
when is the one time it can helen?
- if the ppt is likely to object once they’re debriefed, deception should never have happened
- unless there’s a medical or scientific justification, ppts shouldn’t be deceived
- can be justified if it doesn’t cause undue distress
when deception is needed in research, informed consent cannot be gained
how can consent still be gained ethically, as required?
1) consent form
2) presumptive consent
3) prior general consent
4) retrospective consent
what does a consent form include?
- what the ppts will be asked to do and why
- things they may experience
- how their data will be used
- reminds them of right to withdraw
- how long it’ll take
what is prior general consent?
- ppts give permission to take part in a number of studies
- including one involving deception
- they’re consenting to being deceived
-> but don’t know how they’ll be deceived - can affect ppts behaviour as they’re waiting to be deceived
what is presumptive consent?
- a similar group of people are asked if the study is acceptable
- if agreed, then the consent of the ppts is ‘presumed’
what is retrospective consent?
- they’re asking after they’ve already taken part
what is privacy and confidentiality?
- ppts have the right to control information about themselves
-> the right to privacy - if this is invaded then all ppts have the right to have confidentiality protected
- ppts data should not be disclosed
- numbers should be used instead of names
- confidential data can be traced back to the ppt if needed
-> anonymous data cannot
how do we deal with deception and protection from harm?
- ppts should be offered a full debrief
debrief:
- occurs at the end of an experiment
- should contain the three details of the experiment
- including aims / the existence of other experimental groups / conditions
- ppts must be told what their data will be used for and be given the right to withdraw their data (especially for retrospective consent)
- ppts may require counselling in extreme cases which the researcher should provide
what is the right to withdraw?
ppts should be aware they have the right to withdraw from the study/research at any time, even after it’s finished
