Ethical Issues in Psychological Research

Introduction to safe guarding in psychology The aim of this lesson is to introduce you to the meaning of ‘ethics’ in psychology. By the end of this session you will be able to identify the 5 main ethical guidelines as laid down by the BPS. You will also be able to identify the underlying principles.

Ethical issues in psychology What do we mean by ethics?

Ethics... “…….. are 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, 2001.)

Why are ethics important? What are the issues? In this lesson we answer the following questions Why are ethics important? What are the issues? What is and isn’t acceptable? How should we make ethical judgements?

Human Likert Scale! Agree Disagree

I think… as long as a psychologist doesn’t release the names/addresses of ppts they should be allowed to watch their behaviour in secret without the ppts ever being made aware.

I think… no one should be able to consent on behalf of another person. it is unethical to conduct research on children or those unable to give consent to take part themselves… no one should be able to consent on behalf of another person.

I think… but as long as they are supported afterwards this is OK. it is unavoidable that participants in some experiments have their psychological well-being compromised… but as long as they are supported afterwards this is OK.

I think… not just what they will be asked to do/have done to them. participants in research should always know why an experiment is being conducted… not just what they will be asked to do/have done to them.

I think… that ethical considerations should be secondary to the desires of a psychologist to carry out his/her work in a particular area… after all psychologists are professional scientists and should be trusted.

Why is it important that we consider ethical issues? To protect the welfare of our participants – a moral obligation. The perception of psychology in society – image as professionals – we cannot act in a way that is incompatible with our quest to understand behaviour which is used to help people. Practical reasons – participants who are deceived or distressed might not participate again – may portray psychology in a bad light to others. We want people to trust the findings of psychological research.

Why are ethics important? Moral obligation to society Image of the discipline and profession Professional values Practical reasons e.g. getting participants

Ethical Guidelines Are used to deal with ethical issues – they are not issues themselves but are used to deal with the issues. Produced by professional organisations BPS in UK APA in US

BPS Ethical Guidelines To assist psychologists with dealing with ethical issues that arise the British Psychological Society (BPS) produces ethical guidelines. The most recent were published in 2016. The guide states that thinking about ethics should pervade all professional activity and that ethics can be defined as the science of morals or rules of behaviour. The BPS code is based on 4 overall ethical principles.

Code of Human Research Ethics Respect for the autonomy, privacy and dignity of individuals and communities. Social Responsibility. Scientific Integrity. Maximising benefit and minimising harm. Up to date ethical guidelines

We must prevent research practices that threaten (directly or indirectly) the well- being of the participants. To do that we must ensure that the following ethical guidelines are adhered to

DddRIPP! We must avoid Deception – if we have to then there must be a thorough debrief Ppts must be given the right to withdraw from the research either during, or have their data removed afterwards PPts must give Informed Consent PPts must be protected from harm = physical or psychological PPts have a right to privacy (confidentiality)

Ethical Committees When research is conducted in institutions such as universities, the planned study must be approved by an ethical committee. They weigh up the costs and benefits of research This committee ensure that BPS guidelines are being followed.

Making ethical decisions Where ethical issues arise a cost-benefit analysis is often applied. Costs are the (potentially) negative consequences of the research – usually for the PPs involved Benefits are the (potentially) positive consequences of the research for the PPs or for society Inevitably any decision involves subjective judgements about costs and benefits.

This the Bateson Cube It is a way of working out the costs and benefits of going ahead with animal research

Punishment If a psychologist behaves unethically they can be barred from practising as a psychologist by the BPS.

What do you need to know ? You need to know what the ethical guidelines are: DDDRIPP You need to know the principles on which they are based: RSSM You need to know the Role of the BPS code of ethics You need to know how to deal with/overcome ethical issues in your own research

Read through the remaining 5 slides Mini Prep

Informed Consent Formally agree to take part – consent form. Full knowledge of what you will be required to do & nature of the study. Parents give consent – for under 16s Informed Consent Gain presumptive consent or prior general consent Offer right to withdraw – in consent form BUT: give too much info to ppts & the study becomes meaningless – want to avoid demand characteristics (ppts change behaviour to fit what they think is expected) presumptive consent – what you think you wouldn’t mind doing might be different if you actually experience it naturalistic observations – might not know you have been a ppt.

Problems with cost-benefit judgements. Deception Need for deception should be approved by an ethics committee. Weigh up costs & benefits. Fully debrief ppts: Inform them of true nature of study after they have participated. give them chance to withdraw then too. But: Problems with cost-benefit judgements. Debriefing cannot turn clock back – may still have negative feelings after the study e.g. embarrassment/stress.

e.g. Money, university credits may make withdrawal difficult When giving informed consent – tell ppt have right to withdraw at any point. Children may withdraw in a different way. Cry/become uncooperative Right to Withdraw But: Incentives & rewards e.g. Money, university credits may make withdrawal difficult

Can the risks of taking part always be accurately predicted? Stop the study if in doubt. Always avoid risks not in everyday life. Debrief – always return ppt to previous emotional state. Protection from harm But: Can the risks of taking part always be accurately predicted?

Some public spaces are privately owned – e.g. Shops. But: Sometimes need details e.g. Geographical location that can lead to ppts being identified. Use numbers/false names/initials to record ppts Confidentiality Privacy But: Some public spaces are privately owned – e.g. Shops. Would you like to be observed with your lover on a public beach? –be careful what and where you are observing! Get informed consent – unless observing in a public place.