ethical issues psychology
Overview
This lesson explores the crucial ethical considerations that underpin psychological research. We will examine the core ethical principles designed to protect participants and ensure the integrity of scientific inquiry. Understanding these issues is vital for conducting responsible and valid psychological studies.
Introduction to Ethical Principles
Ethical principles are fundamental guidelines that psychologists must adhere to when conducting research. These principles are established by professional bodies, such as the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the American Psychological Association (APA), to safeguard the welfare and dignity of...
Unlock 5 More Sections
Sign up free to access the complete notes, key concepts, and exam tips for this topic.
No credit card required · Free forever
Key Concepts
- Informed Consent: Participants must be fully aware of the nature and purpose of the research before agreeing to take part.
- Deception: Misleading participants about the true nature of a study, often used to prevent demand characteristics.
- Protection from Harm: Researchers must ensure participants are not subjected to physical or psychological harm.
- Confidentiality: Personal information and data collected from participants must be kept private and not disclosed.
- +3 more (sign up to view)
Exam Tips
- →When evaluating studies, always identify and explain at least two ethical issues, linking them directly to the study's methodology (e.g., 'Milgram's study raised concerns about protection from harm due to the extreme stress experienced by participants').
- →For questions requiring you to suggest ethical improvements, propose specific, actionable changes (e.g., 'To improve ethics, Milgram could have provided a clearer right to withdraw by stating it explicitly multiple times').
- +3 more tips (sign up)
More Psychology Notes