Ethics in Research: APA code & Review Boards

Definition the study of proper action Morality right versus wrong it is the shared responsibility of the individual, the scientist, and the community of scientists

APA guidelines APA states both general and specific guidelines for Psychologists for all aspects of their professional activities There are guidelines for psychologists who teach, counsel, and do research

Website: On the APA website, the research guidelines are mostly under “8. Research and Publication” Course text: Chapter 3 APA Publication Manual, ed. 6: pages on publication ethics

Must begin process of evaluating a piece of research for ethical issues early in the research process after the generation of a testable hypothesis and determination of methodology but before any data are gathered, even “pilot” data Most of these guidelines did not exist before 1974.

Five General Principles There are five “general principles” put forth by APA Intention: Guide and inspire to highest ethical standards These principles are not detailed enough to make absolute decisions. They are intended as “guidelines” only

#1:Beneficence and Non-maleficence Strive to benefit those they work with & do no harm protect the welfare & rights of those they interact with professionally (including animals) Guard against personal, financial, social, & political factors that might lead to misuse of influence Be aware of possible effect of their own physical or mental health on ability to help others

“Gray” areas (Dilemmas) Can be “harmed” without being “wronged” Patient/Client relationship

#2: Fidelity & Responsibility establish relationship of trust aware of professional & scientific responsibility to society avoid conflict of interest concerned about ethical compliance of colleagues contribute a portion of professional time for little or no money

#3: Integrity promote accuracy, honesty in the science, teaching & practice of psychology do not steal, cheat, engage in fraud, or intentional misrepresentation (lying) keep promises If deception is necessary, consider the effects of the deception on the people involved, psychologists in general, & society correct any resulting harm it creates

“Gray” areas Deception can sometimes be allowed BUT it is given close scrutiny and “debriefing” is necessary.

#4: Justice fairness/justice right of all people to access and benefit from the contributions of psychology Equal quality in process, procedure, services for all people Make sure personal biases do not lead to unjust practices

Sliding scale fees for low income clients

#5: Respect for people’s rights and dignity rights to confidentiality, privacy, and self- determination protect the rights and welfare of vulnerable populations respect cultural, individual, and role differences do not condone activities of others based on such prejudices

“Gray area” Confidentiality and involvement of parents in mental health services for children and adolescents

Final Responsibility for the ethical aspects of research always rests with the primary investigator or researcher

Review Boards: Human Subjects National Research Act of 1974 any institution that receives federal funds (e.g. NSF) must have a committee that reviews any research done with humans to assess the research for potential risks to the participants and the public and any general ethical issues.

Review Boards: Non-human subjects Department of Agriculture, 1985 laws governing the care and use of animals in research. Must have a committee that oversees the ethical aspects of animal research including both the day-to-day care and use of the animals

Review board for human studies IRB-Institutional Review Board minimum of five members Must include both scientists (familiar with the area of research) and non-scientists At least one member not affiliated with the institution at all

Review Board for non-human research IACUC- Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee must have at least three members scientist, a vet familiar with the species to be studied, and a community member Oversees research with animals AND issues of daily care Can perform surprise inspections…at any time

Violations can bring ALL research at the institution to a halt!

Risk:Benefit Ratio Both committees assess the Risk:Benefit Ratio of research (Risk-Benefit Analysis) This is a subjective ratio (not numerical, no formula) weigh risks of a piece of research to the subject & society compares this to the benefits to subject & society Must consider the risks of NOT doing the research

Types of risk 1.Physical- physical harm or discomfort that the study might cause 2. Social-harm that might be done that would cause a subject to be uncomfortable when going back to their social world (embarrassment, shame, usually a breach of confidentiality)

3. Psychological-mental or emotional stress, subject is made to feel stupid/bad or feels threatened or fearful 4.Minimal risk-risks of everyday life, not greater nor of a different sort than the person would experience in their normal day-to-day life

Research proposal The job of the IRB and IACUC committees is to evaluate research proposals for ethical issues The researcher must include in the research proposal the following 11 pieces of information: (You do NOT need to know these for the exam but I do think you should see what a real proposal would need to contain)

the purpose of the study qualifications of the investigators (researchers) characteristics of the participants/subjects How will they be recruited? Will they be “compensated”? Methods to be used Procedure for obtaining consent

Potential risks Deception, if any How will confidentiality be protected? How will debriefing be conducted? Potential benefits to the individual and society The review board then weighs the risks and benefits: Risk:Benefit ratio or Risk:Benefit Analysis