Psych - responsibility

Responsibility in psychological research

Researchers must treat participants with respect, acting with social responsibility and minimizing harm.

Informed consent

Participants must be fully informed about the nature and risks of the study before agreeing to participate.

Anonymity

Participants' identities are not recorded or connected to their data, protecting their privacy.

Right to withdraw

Participants must be informed they can withdraw from the study anytime without penalty.

Deception in research

Deliberate misleading or withholding information from participants, which must be justified to an ethics board.

Protection from undue stress or harm

Ensuring participants do not face greater physical or psychological harm than in everyday life.

Debriefing

Participants must be fully informed about the study's true purpose and any deception used after the research.

Special situations related to informed consent

Includes children or individuals with cognitive impairments needing proxy consent or assent.

Effects of deception on research

• pro: can reduce bias + enhance ecological validity,

• risk: may increase participant withdrawal.

How do ethical principles guide psychologists?

They promote reasoned and responsible decisions to maximize benefits and minimize costs.