A2 - Psychology - Ethical issues and ways of overcoming these issues

Ethical issues and ways of overcoming these issues 

Informed consent 

What is it? Informed consent entails giving participants comprehensive information concerning the nature and purpose of a study and their role in it.

The participant's point of view This is necessary in order to be able to make an informed decision about whether to participate in a study.

The researcher's point of view Gaining informed consent may reduce the meaningfulness of the research because such information will reveal the study's aims and affect participants subsequent behaviour.

How the issue could be dealt with Ask participants to indicate formally their agreement in writing. Offer articipants the right to withdraw. Seek retrospective consent during debreifing, offering participants the right to withhold their data. Use presumptive consent.

Deception 

What is it? Decpetion occurs when a participant is not told the true aims of the stuy nor told what participation will entail. this may involve witholding information or may involve lying.

The participant's point of view Prevents participants being able to give truly informed consent. Honesty is an important ethical principle.

The researcher's point of view Some deception is relatively harmless and/or can be compensated for by adequate debriefing.

How the issue could be dealt with Seek permission from an ethical committee that cnsiders costs versus benefits. Use debriefing althought this doesn't turn back the clock and participants may, for example, still feel embarrassed or ashamed.

Right to withdraw

What is it? The right to withdraw…