BPS Code of Human Research Ethics (2009) (Social)

Four principals of ethics

Respect for autonomy and dignity of persons, Competence, Social responsibility, Integrity

What does the principle of Respect for autonomy and dignity of persons mean

Ensuring that participants are respected as individuals by respecting their culture, behaviours, confidentiality and avoiding unfair practises

What does the principle of Competence mean

A psychologist must be fully qualified to research the area that they are researching and be able to recognise the limits of their own competence and seek advice when needed. They must follow the BPS guidelines

What does the principle of Social Responsibility mean

Use of deception must be minimised and research must protect the wellbeing of the participant. All research should be designed to have scientific value and use to the community

What does the principle of Integrity mean

Professionalism should be kept at all times and research should be designed to be scientifically credible and accurate

Main ethical guidelines

consent, competence, withdrawal, deception, debrief

Consent

Informed consent (willing to take part) is necessary unless it may change behaviour in the experiment. Prior or presumptive consent can be gained if informed consent is not possible and parental consent must be given for under 16s

Competence

Professional status/qualifications necessary to carry out research. Unforeseen effects should be discussed with the participant and researchers should be aware of their own capabilities

Withdrawal

Participants must always have the right to withdraw at all times

Deception

May have been deceived on true nature but this should only be done if there will be a significant scientific benefit and will not negatively harm participants

Debrief

Tell participants the true nature of the study afterwards. This is not a justification for breaking other guidelines

What kinds of research may involve a risk of harm

Research on: minors, sensitive topics, potentially sensitive data (e.g. medical records), invasive interventions (e.g. drugs). Stress-inducing research and research that involves an element of deception