ethical issues

Question 1

What are ethical issues in psychological research?

Answer 1

Conflicts between participants’ rights and researchers’ needs to gain valid data.

Question 2

Why are ethical issues important in psychology?

Answer 2

They ensure the safety and well-being of participants.

Question 3

What is informed consent?

Answer 3

Participants knowing what they are getting into before the study begins.

Question 4

What should informed consent include?

Answer 4

Aims of the research, procedures, right to withdraw, and data usage.

Question 5

What is the right to withdraw?

Answer 5

Participants can leave the study at any time without feeling pressured.

Question 6

Why might informed consent make results meaningless?

Answer 6

Because behavior may not be natural when participants know the aims.

Question 7

What is deception in research?

Answer 7

Deliberately misleading or withholding information from participants.

Question 8

Why is deception controversial?

Answer 8

It prevents informed consent and may cause distress.

Question 9

When can deception be justified?

Answer 9

If it does not cause harm and is necessary for valid results.

Question 10

What is protection from harm?

Answer 10

Participants should not face more risk than in everyday life.

Question 11

What are examples of harm in research?

Answer 11

Embarrassment, stress, pressure, or psychological discomfort.

Question 12

What right protects participants from harm?

Answer 12

The right to withdraw at any time.

Question 13

What is confidentiality?

Answer 13

Keeping participants’ personal data private.

Question 14

How is confidentiality usually maintained?

Answer 14

Using pseudonyms or initials instead of real names.

Question 15

What is anonymity?

Answer 15

Not recording any personal identifying details.

Question 16

What is the BPS code of ethics?

Answer 16

Guidelines from the British Psychological Society on ethical research.

Question 17

Why must researchers follow ethical guidelines?

Answer 17

To respect participants and avoid consequences like job loss.

Question 18

What is a cost-benefit analysis in ethics?

Answer 18

Weighing research benefits against potential harm.

Question 19

Who evaluates ethical issues in studies?

Answer 19

Ethics committees at research institutions.

Question 20

What does a consent letter include?

Answer 20

All relevant information for making an informed decision.

Question 21

What is required for under-16s in studies?

Answer 21

Parental consent.

Question 22

What is a full debrief?

Answer 22

Explaining the true aims and any deception used after the study.

Question 23

What is the right to withhold data?

Answer 23

Participants can refuse to have their data used even after participating.

Question 24

What is retrospective consent?

Answer 24

Gaining consent after the study, especially when deception is involved.

Question 25

Why might participants need counselling?

Answer 25

If they experience stress or embarrassment due to the study.

Question 26

What does dealing with deception include?

Answer 26

Giving a full debrief and reassuring participants.

Question 27

How is confidentiality addressed during a case study?

Answer 27

Using initials or pseudonyms to protect identity.

Question 28

What should participants be reminded of during debriefing?

Answer 28

That their data will be protected and not shared.

Question 29

What is the purpose of ethics guidelines?

Answer 29

To ensure respectful and fair treatment of research participants.

Question 30

How might unethical research affect psychology?

Answer 30

It can damage its reputation and public trust.