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Chapter 2

This document provides an overview of ethics and research. It discusses approaches to ethical analysis like utilitarianism and the principle of rights. The American Psychological Association's ethical code is introduced, which is based on five general principles: beneficence, fidelity, integrity, justice, and respect for people. Institutional review boards must approve all research involving humans or animals to ensure it follows legal and ethical standards. Special issues like obtaining consent and dealing with deception or vulnerable populations are also covered.

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Dr Noreen Akhter
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25 views

Chapter 2

This document provides an overview of ethics and research. It discusses approaches to ethical analysis like utilitarianism and the principle of rights. The American Psychological Association's ethical code is introduced, which is based on five general principles: beneficence, fidelity, integrity, justice, and respect for people. Institutional review boards must approve all research involving humans or animals to ensure it follows legal and ethical standards. Special issues like obtaining consent and dealing with deception or vulnerable populations are also covered.

Uploaded by

Dr Noreen Akhter
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 18

Slides to accompany Weathington,

Cunningham & Pittenger (2010),

Chapter 2: Ethics and Research

1
Objectives
• Ethics?
• Approaches to ethical analysis
• Making Ethical Decisions
• The Ethical Code of the American Psychological
Association
• The Institutional Review Board
• Special situations

2
Ethics?
• Study and application of moral standards
• Basic moral principles involve:
– Focus on the well-being of others
– Transcending self-interest and personal
goals
– Universal truths, constants
– Impartiality

3
Ethical Code
• Code of conduct
– Accepted rules and regulations
– Psychologists follow APA’s code, but most
fields of science have a similar code
• Personal and organizational codes may
conflict
– You should strive to focus on the moral
principles

4
Utilitarianism
• Ethical behavior if positive outcomes > negative
ones
– Ends justify the means
• For psychologists and social science
researchers:
– Results should benefit others (more than the
study process will harm subjects)
– Best possible methods are being used for
data collection
5
Utilitarianism
• Advantages
– Rationale for temporary discomfort in
research
– Common sense view on morality of research
• Disadvantages
– What are the true impacts of a study?
– What is the cost of discomfort to participants?
– What are true benefits?
6
Principle of Rights
• Emphasizes universal privilege
• Highlights the ethicalness of intentions
• Categorical imperative: never treat
humanity as a means, but also as an end
• Basis for APA ethics – ensuring basic
rights

7
Principle of Rights
• Advantages
– Research procedures must respect dignity
of participants
– All people are to be treated as equal
• Disadvantages
– Conflicting rights of individuals
– Perhaps too absolutist

8
APA Ethics
• Need for a code by late 1940s:
– Following WWII, U.S. nuclear
experiments, Tuskegee Institute
experiments, others…
• APA’s ethical standards (1970s)
– Eventually linked with creation of IRBs
through the National Research Act (1974)
– Current revision
9
Developing the APA Code of Ethics
• First code  1953
– Hobbs committee
– Critical incidents procedure
– Most recent revision (2002)
• 2002 revision includes 10 general categories of
ethical issues
– 5 general principles + 89 specific standards

10
The APA Code of Ethics (cont’d)
Five general principles of the APA code:
1) Beneficence and non-malfeasance
– Constantly weigh costs & benefits; produce greatest good
2) Fidelity and responsibility
– Constantly aware of responsibility to society
3) Integrity
– Scrupulously honest
4) Justice
– Fair treatment
5) Respect for people’s rights and dignity
– Safeguard welfare, protect rights
11
Seeking IRB Approval
• Complexity of process depends on complexity
and risks of the study
• ALL research with humans (and animals)
must:
– use valid methods
– follow legal/ethical standards
– be IRB approved

12
Seeking IRB Approval
• Project must meet responsibility and
qualification criteria
– Responsible for welfare/dignity of
participants
– Qualified to do the research (students with
supervision OK)

13
Seeking IRB Approval
• With humans, voluntary implied consent
required
• Consent forms must:
– Be descriptive and clear
– Explain confidentiality/anonymity
procedures
– Provide participants with stated rights and
protections inherent in the study
14
Special Issues
• Young participants
– If under 18*, or disabled the guardian must
give consent
• Video/audio recording
– Need consent and confidentiality promises
• Deception
– By omission or commission requires
debriefing + special conditions
15
Debriefing
• Telling participants about the study
• Helps them understand the importance of
their involvement in research
• Required if deception is used
• Often left out, but very important

16
Ethical Dilemmas in Research
• For in-class discussions:
– Conformity among participants
– Eavesdropping for unobtrusive observation
– Requiring student participation
– Asking questions about sexual behaviors

17
What’s Next
• *Instructor to complete as a heads-up to
the students

18

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