Research Ethics

• Ethics A system of morals and beliefs about

what is right and wrong that is held in common by a group of people

Research Ethics

• The ethical principles of the American Psychological Association Ethics pre-World War II

The Ethical Dilemma

• The scientific obligation The obligation to do research in the

best way we know how Not doing research as an ethical

violation

• The humanistic obligation The obligation to consider our

research participants

• The ethical dilemma These two obligations are frequently

at odds with one another

• The General Ethical Question: Is there a negative effect upon the

dignity and welfare of the participants that the importance of the research does not warrant?

Categories of Ethical Issues

• Physical and mental harm What do we mean by “mental harm” Subtleties of mental harm

• The importance of informed consent Ways to disguise research

Incomplete disclosure Deception

Informed consent with children

Categories of ethical issues

• Observing hidden behaviors Covert and overt research Invasion of privacy Loss of anonymity and

confidentiality

Categories of ethical issues

• Deception The importance of debriefing Guidelines to debriefing

• Coercion Determining what is coercive

The role of the research participant

• The traditional view

• The humanistic view Advantages Disadvantages