Ethical issues

What is the BPS Code of Ethics?

Quasi-legal document instructing psychologists in the Uk about what behaviour is acceptable when dealing with participants.

What is informed consent?

Making participants aware of the research and procedure, and giving them the right to withdraw

Why might informed consent be a negative for the researcher?

It may make participants’ behaviour unnatural as they know the aims of the study

What is deception?

Deliberately misleading/withholding information from participants at any stage of the investigation

What problems does deception present?

Participants cannot give informed consent

When is deception acceptable?

When it does not cause the participant undue distress

How is a participant protected from harm?

Physical, psychological harm, embarrassment, stress, pressure, right to withdraw

What is privacy and confidentiality?

Privacy = controlling information about ourselves

Confidentiality = protecting personal data

How do researchers determine if something is ethical?

Cost-benefit analysis

What happens if researchers go against the BPS code of ethics?

They will not go to prison but may lose their job

How do researchers ensure participants have informed consent?

Participants should be issued with a consent letter/form with all information affecting their choice to participate

How do researchers deal with deception and protection from harm?

Participants should be given briefs and debriefs, and provided with counselling if needed, and be made aware of their rights

How do researchers deal with confidentiality?

Maintain anonymity