Ethical Issues

Question 1

When do ethical issues arise?

Answer 1

When a conflict exists between the rights of participants in research studies and the goals of the research to produce authentic, valid and worthwhile data

Question 2

Informed consent

Answer 2

Making participants aware of the aims of the research, the producers, their rights to withdraw and what their data will be used for. P’s then make an informed decision

Question 3

Deception

Answer 3

Deliberately misleading or withholding information from participants (lacks informed consent)

Question 4

Protection from harm

Answer 4

Where participants should not be placed at any more risk than they would in their daily lives, protected from physical and psychological harm

Question 5

Privacy and confidentiality

Answer 5

P’s have the right to have any personal data protected

Question 6

What is the BPS code of ethics?

Answer 6

A quasi-legal document produced by the BPS that instructs psychologists in the UK about what behaviour is/ isn’t acceptable when dealing with participants. The code is built around four principles: respect, competence, responsibility and integrity

Question 7

How is informed consent dealt with?

Answer 7

P’s should be issued a consent letter/ form detailing all relevant information that may affect their decision to participate. A signature will be required

Question 8

How is deception/ protection from harm dealt with?

Answer 8

At the end of the study, p’s should be given a full debrief and a right to withdraw data if they wish. In extreme cases, counselling should be provided

Question 9

How is confidentiality dealt with?

Answer 9

Any personal details must be protected or maintained anonymous