Ethics lecture To publish research in psychology must first be approved be a board or committee at the institution you are working at. Institutional Review Board (IRB) APA guidelines see table 7-2 (pages 204-205)
Brief overview of ethical issues We will consider these issues in relation to the film “Obedience”
Informed consent can be a problem purpose of study risks involved right to terminate study can only be dispensed with if research would not reasonably be assumed to create distress or harm. Informed consent can be a problem Bias responding If people knew the nature of the study they could act in a way that makes them look good demand characteristics Bias sample might lead to a certain kind of person those that want to shock people
Anonymity and Confidentiality deception not to be used if the research is reasonably expected to cause physical pain or severe emotional distress debriefing offer participants a prompt opportunity to obtain appropriate information about the nature, results, and conclusions of the research. Take reasonable steps to correct any misconceptions that participants may have if which the psychologists are aware. Anonymity and Confidentiality collect data using code numbers keep data confidential and secure identities kept confidential in write ups
Milgram film
Were the participants fully informed? Milgram study Were the participants fully informed? was there deception involved? Do you think that the procedure could have caused psychological stress? Debriefing? Milgram has said that he believes the participants were better off better understanding of themselves. Post interview 84% said glad to have participated 74% said they benefited from the experience 1% said sorry they had participated
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) APA guidelines see table 7-3 (page 212) Point 5 – Psychologists use a procedure subjecting animals to pain, stress, or privation only when an alternative procedure is unavailable and the goal is justified by its prospective scientific, educational, or applied value