Week 7-Ethics Flashcards
(30 cards)
What 3 dilemnas does ethics cover?
1.moral decisions whether good or bad
2.the language of right and wrong
3.our rights and responsibilities
Explain the theory-based approach to consequentialism
-it’s results-based so the outcome determines whether its good or bad
-the morally right action a person does is based on the best overall consequence
What are the two principles behind consequentialism?
1.right/wrong solely depends on the results of the act
2.the more good/favourable the consequences, the better/more justified the act
Give two strengths of consequentialism
1.It’s practical and flexible
2.It’s clear and simply reflects on the consequences
Give three weaknesses of consequentialism
1.hard/unrealistic to predict all the possible consequences of an action
2.no type of act is inherently wrong(its the intention that matters)
3.Its the consequences that matter not the person who the act
What’s the main difference between deontology and consequentialism?
C=consequence focused
D=rule focused
Explain deontology (duty+logos=science or study of)
-it’s rules-based, emphasising the relationship between duty and morality of human actions
-morality is judged based on the adherence to rules i.e. focus on the person, not the consequences
What are the principles behind deontology?
-to do the right thing and follow moral rules
-Immanuel Kant was a philosopher promoting this ideology saying to act from duty and focuses on the motives not the consequences
What does informed consent involve?
includes details of:
-the purpose, duration and procedures
-the risks discomforts or benefits
-the limits on confidentiality/anonymity e.g., who it may be passed onto
-incentives
-right to withdraw and contact info
-Children or vulnerable/incapable adults? Parents or guardians/ someone with appropriate legal authority for consent
What are the exceptions to informed consent?
-observational studies in a public place
-info in the public domain e.g., the internet
Explain discomfort and harm
– Protection from physical and mental harm (when writing the application form, we must address this issue)
– Risk no greater than in everyday life (should be disclosed if risky and reviewed by ethics panel)
– Vulnerability? may be unable to provide consent
– Psychological/emotional distress must be addressed
– Debriefing and contact details
Explain confidentiality and anonymity
– Right to expect information provided will be confidential and not identifiable.
– If confidentiality/anonymity cannot be guaranteed the participants must be informed.
Explain deception
– Needs a strong scientific/medical justification for deceiving in the first place
– Or if likely to object or show unease once debriefed.
– Sufficient information at the earliest stage for P’s
– Keeping participants naïve to the true aim of the study is not deception – it protects the quality of your data
Explain what debriefing is
debrief asap if deception used. Tends to go over the:
– Purpose/results.
– Deception/discomfort issues.
– Procedural problems.
Explain non-participation and withdrawal
– Participation is voluntary
– Participants can ask for their data to be withdrawn
– Withdraw from the study at any time – even retrospectively
– Steps for data to be destroyed
What did Pittenger (2003) suggest in terms of the distinction between public/private behaviour?
-is it widespread? anonymous? open/public forums?
-confidential/limited access forums?
Is debriefing required if public?
no, only debrief if deception/naivety is involved (whether done via electronic/telephone)
Unethical experiments:Prefrontal Lobotomy – late 19th and early 20th century why was it unethical?
– Severing connections in the brain’s frontal lobe to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorders and other mental illnesses
– Negative outcome: personality changes, lack of inhibition(less self-conscious, more anxious), empathy, patients could no longer live independently
However did show the frontal lobe plays a role in many cognitive functions e.g., executive functions, empathy etc.
Unethical psychology experiments:Tuskegee Syphilis Studies (1932 - 1972) why was it unethical?
– Intended to study the natural course of syphilis – 399 black men were left untreated despite available penicillin
– 128 participants died, 40 wives infected, 19 children born with congenital syphilis, families suffered stigma
Unethical psychology experiments:Zimbardo (1971) – Stanford Prison Experiment why was it unethical?
–Wanted to investigate the source of abusive behaviour in the prison system
– Halted after 6 days due to physical and mental harassment of the ‘prisoners’ by the ‘guards. At least five of the prisoners had suffered emotional trauma.
Unethical psychology experiments:Milgram (1963) – Obedience to Authority why was it unethical?
■ Would people really carry out acts that clashed with their conscience if directed to by an authority figure?
– Extreme emotional stress.
– No informed consent
– Not allowed to withdraw
Unethical psychology experiments:Watson & Rayner (1920) - Little Albert why was it unethical?
■ Conditioning a phobia.
Unethical psychology experiments:MacCulloch & Feldman (1967) - Homosexual Aversion Therapy why was it unethical?
■ Attempted to ‘cure’ homosexuality.
– Dangerous and ineffective (APA 1994).
Unethical psychology experiments:Bandura (1961,1963) - Bobo Doll Experiment why was it unethical
■ Can violent behaviour be learned through observation?
– Children were basically trained to act aggressively.
– Possible long-term consequences.
