Ethics guidelines

Question 1

Voluntary participation:

Answer 1

Ensures that there is no coercion of or pressure put on the participant to partake in an experiment, and they freely choose to be involved

Question 2

Withdrawal rights:

Answer 2

Involves a participant being able to discontinue their involvement in an experiment at any time during or after the conclusion of an experiment, without penalty. This may include the removal of the participant’s results from the study after the study has been completed

Question 3

Debriefing:

Answer 3

Ensures that, at the end of the experiment, the participant leaves understanding the experimental aim, results and conclusions. Any participant questions are addressed, and support is also provided to ensure there is no lasting harm from their involvement in the study. Debriefing is essential for all studies that involve deception.

Question 3

Informed consent procedures:

Answer 3

Ensure participants understand the nature and purpose of the experiment, including potential risks (both physical and psychological), before agreeing to participate in the study. Voluntary written consent should be obtained by the experimenter and if participants are unable to give this consent or are under 18, then a parent or legal guardian should provide this.

Question 4

Confidentiality:

Answer 4

The privacy, protection and security of a participant’s personal information in terms of personal details and the anonymity of individual results, including the removal of identifying elements.

Question 5

Use of deception in research:

Answer 5

Is only permissible when participants knowing the true purpose of the experiment may affect their behaviour while participating in the study, and the subsequent validity of the experiment. The use of deception is discouraged in psychological research and used only when necessary.