Ethical issues

Question 1

Ethical issues

Answer 1

These arise when a conflict exists between the rights of px’s in research studies and the goals of the research to produce authentic, valid and worthwhile data.

Question 2

Informed consent

Answer 2

Making px’s aware of the aims of the research, the procedures, their rights (including right to withdraw at any point during the stud if they wish), and what their data’s going to be used for. Px will the make informed decision without feeling obliged or coerced.
From a researchers point of view, asking for informed consent will make study meaningless as px’s behaviour will not be ‘natural’.

Question 3

Deception

Answer 3

Deliberately misleading or withholding information from px’s at any stage of the investigation. Px’s who haven’t received adequate information when agreeing to take part cannot be said to have given informed consent. On occasion, deception can be justified if it doesn’t care px’s undue distress.

Question 4

Protection from harm

Answer 4

Px’s should not be placed at risk and should be protected from physical and psychological harm. Important feature is reminding px’s they have the right to withdraw from investigation at any time. Shouldn’t be made to feel embarrassed, inadequate or placed under undue stress of pressure.

Question 5

Privacy and confidentiality

Answer 5

Px’s have the right to control information about themselves- this is right of privacy. If this is invaded, then confidentiality should be protected- our right, under the Data Protection Act, to have any personal data protected.