1. Ethical Issues – Students will 1. Be able to evaluate the ethical issues involved in psychological research. 2. Define ethics. 3. Understand the role ethics play in psychological research.

2.  What are ethics? ◦ Standards for proper and responsible behavior.  Psychologists follow ethical standards to promote the dignity of the individual, foster human welfare, and maintain scientific integrity.  Specific ethical guidelines established by the American Psychological Association (APA).

3.  Confidentiality – What is it? ◦ Treat records and revelations confidential  Exception: RARE – when the individual reveals that he plans to harm someone.  Informed Consent – What is it? ◦ People studied need to agree, or consent, to participate only after they have been given an overview of the study and a choice whether or not to participate.  Deception – What is it? ◦ May be used only when psychologists believe:  The benefits outweigh the harm  That the individuals would have been willing anyway  That the participants receive an explanation of the study after it has occurred.

4.  Psychologists use animals only when there is no alternative and when they believe that the potential benefits outweigh the harm. ◦ APA has ethical rules surrounding this issue, but controversy continues to swirl around it.