ETHICS IN PSYCHOLOGY Hockenbury, Hockenbury. (2007) ETHICS IN PSYCHOLOGY Hockenbury, Hockenbury. (2007). Discovering Psychology 4. New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
Consider this … as you view this power point presentation on ethical guidelines, think about Milgram’s study and electrical shocks. Would that study be able to ethically take place today?
The Five Key Provisions of Ethics in Research Informed Consent and Voluntary Participation Students as Research Participants The Use of Deception Confidentiality of Information Information About the Study and Debriefing
#1 Informed Consent The psychologist must inform all participants (to the extent possible – use of deception covered later) of the purpose of the research, including factors that might influence a person’s willingness to participate - such as potential risks, discomfort, or unpleasant emotional experiences. Each participant must also be informed they are free to withdraw from the study at any time or to decline participation.
#2 Students as Research Participants Some psychology professors will require that students participate in a research study as a course requirement or extra credit. In regards to ethics, the student must have an alternative choice research study/activity to fulfill the requirement.
#3 The Use of Deception Psychologists can use deceptive techniques as part of the study only when two conditions have been met: 1. It is not feasible to use alternatives that do not involve deception. 2. The potential findings justify the use of deception because of their scientific, educational or applied value.
#4 Confidentiality of Information Psychologists may not disclose personally identifiable information about research participants in their writing, lectures or other public forums.
#5 Information About the Study and Debriefing All participants must be provided with the opportunity to obtain information about the nature, results, and conclusions of the research. Psychologists are also obligated to debrief the participants and to correct any misconceptions that participants may have had about the research.