AP PSYCH - Ethical Guidelines

Informed Consent

Participants must be told about the nature of the research, any potential risks, and their right to decline or withdraw at any time without penalty.

Confidentiality

Participants’ personal information and responses must be kept private and not shared without consent

Debriefing

After the study, participants must be fully informed about its purpose and methods, especially if deception was involved

Deception

Deception is allowed only when necessary for the study’s validity and when no harm is expected.

Protection from Harm

Participants must not be exposed to physical or psychological harm

Right to Withdraw

Participants must be allowed to leave the study at any time without consequences

IRB (Institutional Review Board)

All studies must be reviewed and approved by an IRB to ensure ethical standards are met