U0, L6: Ethical Guidelines in Psychological Research

Institutional Review Boards

Committees responsible for reviewing & approving research proposals to ensure that they meet ethical standards & protect rights & welfare of research participants

• Typically composed of a diverse group of professionals, inc researchers, ethicists, & community members

Protect Patients from Harm

Emphasizes obligation of researchers to minimize risks & ensure well-being of research participants throughout study process

• Researchers must carefully assess potential risks associated w/ study procedures & take appropriate steps to minimize risks

Informed Consent

Process through which individuals voluntarily agree to participate in research study after being provided w/ comprehensive info abt study’s purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, & their rights as participants

• Researchers are required to obtain informed consent from participants before their involvement in study , & they have the right to w/draw from study @ any time w/o penalty

• Given to adults who are legally able to make decisions for themselves

Informed Assent

Similar to informed consent, applies to research involving children/individuals who may have limited decision-making capacity (cognitive impairments/developmental disabilities)

• Involves providing these individuals w/ age appropriate/understandable info abt research study, inc purpose, procedures, risks, & benefits

Confidentiality

Requires researchers to handle sensitive data & personal info obtained during study w/ discretion

• Researchers must take measures to ensure participants’ identities & responses = kept confidential & protected from unauthorized access/disclosure

Deception

Involves misleading participants abt true purpose/nature of study, the procedures involved, or expected outcomes

• While deception = sometimes necessary to achieve research objectives, it must be used sparingly & justified by compelling scientific/ethical reasons

Debriefing

Providing participants w/ comprehensive info abt true nature, purpose, & procedures of a research study immediately after their participation