The 7 APA Codes of Ethics

Question 1

Informed Consent

Answer 1

Participants may not participate in any studies unless they have given informed consent. This is a written agreement to participate in a study made by an adult who has been informed of all the risks that participation may entail.

Question 2

Freedom from coercion

Answer 2

Individuals cannot be overly persuaded to participate in the study. This also includes offering people large sums of money to do something they wouldn’t normally do.

Question 3

Debriefing

Answer 3

If the participant is deceived in any way during the study, the psychologists must provide a debriefing. This is a verbal description of the true nature and purpose of the study.

Question 4

Deception

Answer 4

Psychologists may use deception only when it is justified by the studies scientific, educational, or applied value and when alternatives are not feasible. They may never deceive participants about any aspect of a study that could cause physical or psychological harm.

Question 5

Risk Benefit Analysis

Answer 5

Participants may not be asked to accept large risks such as severe pain, psychological trauma, or any risks greater than they would normally take in their everyday lives.

Question 6

Protection from Harm

Answer 6

Psychologists must take every possible step to protect their research participants from physical or psychological harm. If the method is unsafe it cannot be studied.

Question 7

Confidentiality

Answer 7

Psychologists are obligated to keep private and personal information obtained during the study confidential.