ethics

What are the four primary ethical principles of the BPS Code of Ethics?

Respect, Competence, Responsibility, Integrity.

What does Respect mean in the BPS Code?

Respect for the dignity of persons and people.

What does Competence mean in the BPS Code?

Researchers must have the training and skills to conduct their research.

What does Responsibility mean in the BPS Code?

To not abuse the trust of others and be professionally accountable.

What does Integrity mean in the BPS Code?

Be honest and truthful.

What is Informed Consent?

Participants should be able to make an informed judgement about whether to take part or not.

How do you deal with Informed Consent?

Provide consent forms. For under-16s, a parent/carer signs. If direct consent isn't possible, use presumptive consent or prior general consent.

What is Deception in research?

Lying to participants about the aims or procedures, usually to avoid demand characteristics.

How do you deal with Deception?

Only use when there is no alternative. Offer debriefing afterwards to explain the full aims.

What is the Right to Withdraw?

Participants can withdraw at any point during the study, and can withdraw their data afterwards (even if paid).

How do you deal with the Right to Withdraw?

Tell participants in the informed consent form and during debriefing that they have the right to withdraw.

What is Protection from Harm?

Participants' psychological and physiological safety must be ensured.

How do you deal with Protection from Harm?

Do not expose participants to greater risk than their normal life experiences.

What is Confidentiality?

Participants should not be identifiable in published research.

How do you deal with Confidentiality?

Identify participants by a number or code rather than their name.

What is Privacy in research ethics?

A person's right to control information about themselves.

How do you deal with Privacy?

Only observe people where they would expect to be observed by others in public places.