ethics

Question 1

what do ethics involve?

Answer 1

systematising, defending, and providing standards by which behaviour can be judged to be right or wrong

Question 2

what ate normative ethics?

Answer 2

Normative ethics: the practical task of arriving at moral standards that regulate right and wrong conduct

Question 3

what are two key approaches in psychological ethics?

Answer 3

consequantialism
denotology (duty)

Question 4

what is consequentialism? what concept does this approach tie into?

Answer 4

Kant
Consequentialism –the rightness or wrongness of an act depends upon its consequences
This approach ties into Utilitarianism–emphasises the role of pleasure or happiness as a consequence of our actions

Question 5

what is deontology? what concept does this approach tie into?

Answer 5

Kant
Deontology (Duty)–certain acts are right or wrong in themselves, not necessarily in terms of their consequences
links into the idea of kant’s categorical imperatives - commands or moral laws all persons must follow, regardless of their desires or extenuating circumstances

Question 6

who explored the idea of consequentialism vs deontology in ethics?

Answer 6

kant

Question 7

how does Johnson and Tudor’s case study explore ideas of consequentialism vs deontology in ethics?

Answer 7

Data collected from this study has had very beneficial consequences but the study was morally wrong (induced stutter group)
–> consequentialism would argue that this study was ethically sound, deontology would argue differently

Question 8

does the BPS code of conduct follow a code of consequentialism or deontology?

Answer 8

deontology

Question 9

what is psychological egoism?

Answer 9

psychological egoism - self-oriented interests ultimately motivate all human actions

Question 10

what are the main two ethical codes used in research today?

Answer 10

World Health Organisation
*guide for conducting medical research with human subjects
British Psychological Society: Code of Ethics and Conduct & Code of Human Research Ethics *guidelines for carrying out psychological research.

Question 11

what are the 4 principles of the BPS code of ethics and conduct?

Answer 11

respect, competence, responsibility, integrity

Question 12

what are the 3 principles which make up the BPS code of conduct?

Answer 12

• code of ethics and conduct
• code of human research ethics
• practice guidelines

Question 13

BPS code of ethics: respect (3)

Answer 13

• dignity and worth of ppt
• sensitivity to power imbalance
• consent, privacy and confidentiality

Question 14

BPS code of ethics: competence (3)

Answer 14

• high standards of professionalism
• working within limits of knowledge and skill
• caution in making knowledge claims

Question 15

BPS code of ethics: responsibility (3)

Answer 15

• responsibilities to persons and peoples, to the general public, and to the profession and science of Psychology
• professional accountability
• avoid harm or misuse of power

Question 16

BPS code of ethics: integrity (3)

Answer 16

• honesty, openness and candour
• fairness
• maintaining professional boundaries

Question 17

what are the 4 principles of the BPS code of human research ethics?

Answer 17

respect for the autonomy and dignity of persons, scientific value, social responsibility, maximising benefit and minimising harm

Question 18

BPS code of human research ethics: respect for the autonomy and dignity of persons (4)

Answer 18

• inform of nature of research
• avoid discriminatory practices
• ensure self determination (protect against coercion)
• ensure privacy

Question 19

BPS code of human research ethics: scientific value (1)

Answer 19

• taking accountability for research quality

Question 20

BPS code of human research ethics: social responsibility (3)

Answer 20

• clarifying purpose of research
• awareness of potential outcomes (predicted and unpredicted)
• acknowledgement of limitations

Question 21

BPS code of human research ethics: maximising benefit and minimising harm

Answer 21

• identifying potential risks to ppt
• measures to minimise or manage risk

Question 22

what are the 7 key practical considerations in ethics?

Answer 22

• Risk
• Valid consent
• Confidentiality
• Giving advice
• Deception
• Debriefing
• Professionalism

Question 23

practical considerations in ethics: what is risk? how must researchers address it?

Answer 23

risk - potential physical or psychological harm, discomfort or stress
researchers must - identify and inform ppt of risks, develop management strategies

Question 24

practical considerations in ethics: what is valid consent? how must researchers address this?

Answer 24

informed consent - ppt who are able to consent (above 16 and medically able to do so) should be instructed of the nature of the study and researchers should obtain written consent

Question 25

practical considerations in ethics: when is written consent not needed?

Answer 25

for public records research or some field research

Question 26

practical considerations in ethics: according to the mental capacity assessment, when is someone unable to give consent?

Answer 26

The Act says that a person is unable to make a decision if unable to: understand the information relevant to the decision, retain the information, use or weigh the information, communicate his or her decision (by any means).

Question 27

practical considerations in ethics: how is right to withdraw addressed as a part of valid consent?

Answer 27

- consent - ppt can consent to their information being used or withdraw it at any time - ppt told they can do this from the start with no judgment or prejudice - can withdraw at any point - should be informed of time restrictions

Question 28

practical considerations in ethics: when is giving advice needed?

Answer 28

Giving advice is ethical if: - it forms an intrinsic part of the study - it has been agreed with the participant in advance - it has been subject to ethics review in advance

Question 29

practical considerations in ethics: what are the risks of giving advice?

Answer 29

- if researcher obtains evidence of problems with advice given - ppt must be told immediately - researchers must exercise giving advice with caution and never off an opinion that is outside their expertise

Question 30

practical considerations in ethics: what are the main two types of deception?

Answer 30

Deception by commission –actively misleading Deception by omission – failing to disclose all details (often accidental e.g timings of study)

Question 31

practical considerations in ethics: how can researchers address issues of deception?

Answer 31

debriefing - active intervention which ensures ppt are provided with sufficient information to fully understand the nature of the research at the earliest opportunity

Question 32

practical considerations in ethics: what are the purposes of debriefing?

Answer 32

- ethically address issues of deception - providing information to P about their role in the study both before and after they participate - attempts to reduce any distress that may have been or are likely to be caused by the study

Question 33

practical considerations in ethics: how can researchers maintain professionalism in their research?

Answer 33

- avoid plagiarism - credit - report with honesty and accuracy the results of studies - professional boundaries