ETHICS

Why do ethics matter

Because psychology studies living creatures and research may reveal unpleasant truths about behaviour. Ethical guidelines protect participants while allowing valid research

What are the key ethical guidelines

Informed consent, deception, right to withdraw, confidentiality, protection from harm, debriefing and observational researchd

What is informed consent

Informing the participants of the aims, risks, procedures and right to withdraw before agreeing

What type of consent do children require

Parent/teacher consent

What are the other 3 types of consent

Presumtive, prior general and retrospective

What is presumptive consent

Where the researcher asks a similar group of people that aren’t the participants whether they’d take part in the study involving deception etc

What is prior general consent

Where the participants agree to some studies involving deception without knowing which do

What is deception

When participants arent told the true aims of the study, or theyre misled. It should be avoided unless necessary for validity, and if used it must be approved by the ethics committee and followed by debriefing

What is the right to withdraw

Participants can leave the study and withdraw data at any time. They’e still entitled to payment if they choose to drop out

What is confidentiality

The personal data of the participants mustn’t be identifiable. Initials, pseudonyms or numbers should be used

What is protection from harm

Participants shouldn’t face greater risk than everyday life. Any harm must be short term, minor and resolved by the end of the study. Support snd counselling should be offered if needed

What is debriefing

After the study, the true aims should be revealed, deception should be explained, and participants should be reassured, reminded of the right to withdraw data, and any questions should be answered

When is observational research acceptable

Observation research is acceptable only if consent is given or conducted in a public place where behaviour is normally observed