Ethics in Research (Topic C)

Although this is ethics in research that will specifically come up in the Topic C exam, it may be useful to other topics and to the course in general.

Ethical guidelines

 * Consent - participants should give their consent to taking part in a study
 * Right to withdraw - participants should be able to withdraw their consent at any point in the study
 * Deception - participants should not be lied to unless it is absolutely necessary
 * Debrief - participants should be told the real aim of the study when it is over
 * Competence - a researcher must be qualified to conduct the study
 * Protection of participants - participants should not experience any physical or psychological harm, such as distress, anxiety, embarrassment or concern

How can we protect participants?

 * make sure all harm is minimised
 * psychologists should seek professional help about the identified risks
 * researchers should inform participants where possible about risks involved
 * counselling/professional services should be provided if participants have been affected by the study

Ethical issues in Aggression studies

 * It is deliberately trying to cause aggression
 * Participants are not protected because they are exposed to aggression
 * Exposure to aggression may cause harm or distress
 * It may also lead to long term aggressive behavior
 * Informed consent often not gained because this may change how aggressive people will be pkaying a game
 * They may feel as if they have to finish the game, so right to withdraw would be violated
 * Participants are often deceived about the aim of the study