Ethical Issues in Psychological Research

Ethics: in Psychological Research

ConsentDeceptionConfidentialityDebriefingWithdrawalProtection

Learning Outcomes

Understand what is meant by ethical research.

Describe the main ethical guidelines when carrying out psychological research.

Understand how unethical research can be justified.

Ethics is…

“... concerned with that which is deemed acceptable in human behaviour, with what is good or bad, right or wrong with human conduct in pursuit of goals or aims.”

( Penguin Dictionary of Psychology, 1985. )

Ethical issues

Psychologists are obliged to consider the psychological well-being, health, values and dignity of their participants.

If they do not do this properly, their research is described as unethical.

Researchers should strive to ensure that their research is as ethical as possible.

Problems arising from conflict between: What is necessary for the research The moral obligations towards participants.

Practices that raise ethical issues

Getting informed consentDeceiving PPsPutting PPs at elevated risk of harm

during or after participationObtaining confidential informationInvading PPs’ privacy

Consent

Participants should give informed consent.

In studies involving children, informed parental consent should be obtained.

Payment should not be used to induce risk taking behaviour.

Special safeguarding procedures are necessary with subjects with limitations in communication or understanding or where unable to give real consent.

Deception

Should be avoided if at all possible, especially where it would raise other issues Will it cause stress? Would the participants participate if

they knew? Only permissible where research is

very important and no alternative method is available (APA).

Participants must be fully informed as soon as possible (BPS).

Confidentiality

All data should be confidential, all PPs should be anonymous and unidentifiable unless prior informed consent given. Can be problematic in case studies. Procedures should routinely anonymise PPs (e.g.

through use of numbers; not recording names etc.). If confidentiality cannot be ensured e.g. a

participant discloses something illegal, they must be warned of this at the start of the investigation.

Debriefing

After the study: Inform participants about the true nature of the

research they have participated in..

Ensure no harm has occurred.

Obtain feedback about the study; check for negative effects or misunderstandings; invite and answer questions.

Offer the right to withdraw and destroy data if so.

Withdrawal

Can stop participating at any time, including during and after the study.

For any reason.

Their results will not be included.

This should be made clear at the start & end of the study.

Protection of participants Risk should be no more than

participants expect in everyday life. Physical and psychological harm

(e.g. stress, damage to self image)

Any negative effects of an investigation should be dealt with afterwards.

If evidence of psychological or physical problems arise from study: the researcher must offer advise or recommend them to a professional.

There must be opportunity to get in touch with the researcher afterwards.

Unethical Research

Research that breaches the ethical guidelines may still be carried out if it’s outcome can be justified.

Deception is very common: this may cause distress or embarrassment for the participants. This may be justified if they are treated ethically after the event e.g. counselled ensured privacy given the right to withdraw. Need to deceive participants when

investigating prejudice, memory etc.

Non-human animals

Use the smallest number of animals possible.

Avoid procedures which cause pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. If not possible need a project license.

Ensure that animals are well housed and cared for.

Normal feeding and breeding habits should not be disrupted.

Investigate free-living animals as much as possible, with as little interference with their natural environment.

Summary

Ethical research protects the welfare of participants.

The main ethical guidelines covering psychological research are: Can Do Can’t Do With Participants.

Unethical research can be justified if the costs are outweighed by the benefits of the findings.

The research you’ve seen so far

What studies raise ethical issues, and what are the issues raised?

Are there any studies that you feel should not have been done, or should have been done differently?

Do you agree that: ”You have to break a few eggs

to make a good omelet”?

Ethical Issues in Genetics

Imagine you and your family participate in a large psychological and biological genetic study. What risks are there?

Discuss (5 min)

Issues with Genetic Research

Strong outside interests in the data

May discover unwanted information What if you carry a genetic

vulnerability for [insert scariest disease]?

May be used to further oppress minority groups such as Aboriginal peoples (Havasupai Tribe example)

Not many people know enough about genetics to know what they’re getting into

The Future of this Research

Do we want a world full of ”perfect” humans? What’s good and desirable anyway?