Ethical issues & ways of dealing with them

Question 1

What is an ethical issue?

Answer 1

They arise when a conflict between rights of pps in research studies and goals of researcher to produce valid data exists

Question 2

What is informed consent?

Answer 2

• pps in studies are made aware of the aims, procedures of study, their rights (including right to withdraw) and what their data will be used for
• pps then make an informed judgement whether or not they would like to take part without feeling obliged
• from researcher’s pov informed consent can make the study meaningless since pps will not behave naturally if they are aware of the aims

Question 3

What is deception?

Answer 3

• deliberately misleading or withholding info from pps at any stage of the investigation
• pps who hadn’t received certain info about the study before they agreed to take part can’t be said to have given informed consent
• there are cases where deception can be justified if it doesn’t cause pps stress

Question 4

What does protection from harm mean?

Answer 4

• pps shouldn’t be placed in any more risks than in their everyday life and should be protected from physical & psychological harm
• this includes being made to feel embarrassed or being placed in stress/pressure
• pps are also reminded of the right to withdraw at any point as another feature of protection from harm

Question 5

What does privacy & confidentiality mean?

Answer 5

• pps have the right to control info about themselves (privacy)
• if this is invaded then confidentiality should be protected
• confidentiality is our rights under the Data Protection Act to have any personal data protected
• right of privacy extends to area where study takes place like geographical locations aren’t named

Question 6

How does the BPS code of conduct deal with ethical issues?

Answer 6

• British Psychological Society has its own BPS code of conduct which includes a set of ethical guidelines
• researchers have a professional duty to observe these guidelines when conducting research
• guidelines are closely matched to ethical issues & attempt to ensure that all pps are treated with respect & consideration during each phase of research
• guidelines are implemented by ethics committees who use cost-benefit approach to determine whether particular research proposals are ethically acceptable

Question 7

How does informed consent deal with ethical issues?

Answer 7

• pps should be issued with a consent letter detailing all relevant info that might affect their decision to participate
• for investigations involving children under 16 a signature for parental consent is required

Question 8

How does debriefing deal with deception & protection from harm?

Answer 8

• pps should be given a full debrief at the end of the study
• this includes true aims of the investigation & any details not told during the study e.g. the involvement of control groups
• pps are told what their data is used for & are given the right to withhold data
• pps are assured that their behaviour in the study is typical
• if the pps is subject to stress or embarrassment the researcher should provide them with counselling

Question 9

How does confidentiality deal with ethical issues?

Answer 9

• personal details that are held must be protected but it is more common for no personal details to be recorded
• researchers usually refer to pps as numbers or initials when writing up the study
• pps are reminded during briefing & debriefing that there data will be protected through the process