Basics of Research Methods 3

Psychological Ethics

Moral principles guiding a psychologist’s general conduct or practice.

Research Ethics

Moral principles specifically guiding researchers from the start to the end of a study.

Ethical Dilemma

A conflict between different principles of moral conduct.

Ethical Codes

Principles, requiring researchers to consider circumstances (a "no harm" approach). Two people can interpret a situation differently and still be ethical.

Maximizing Benefit, Minimising Harm

Research must serve a beneficial purpose while avoiding harm to participants, whether social, financial, or psychological.

Respect for people’s rights, autonomy, and dignity

Researchers must respect participants' privacy, autonomy, and diversity (age, gender, culture). They must avoid biases and clearly explain the aim and procedures.

Scientfic Value

Research must contribute to knowledge. Poorly designed research is unethical because it is a waste of resources

Integrity (բարեվարքություն)

Researchers must be honest, accurate, and trustworthy.

Justice

Everyone should have equal access to the benefits of psychology, no biases.

Informed Consent

An agreement to participate in research with full knowledge of the context and the participant's rights.

Anonymity

No personal data (names, birthdates) is collected. The participant cannot be identified.

Confidentiality

Data is collected but kept private and not published in an identifiable way.

Voluntary Participation

Participants can refuse to take part or withdraw at any stage, even after the research is finished.

Deception

The act of convincing of one or many recipients of untrue information.

Naturalistic Observation

form of involuntary participation where subjects are observed in their natural environment without knowing it. It is ethical only if they cannot be identified and the information is public.

Debriefing

The process of informing participants after a study about its true purpose, methods, and any deception used.