3.1

Describe a simple framework for thinking about ethical issues in psychological research.

(learning objective 3.1)

Give examples of several ethical issues that arise in psychological research—including ones that affect research participants, the scientific community, and society more generally.

(learning objective 3.1)

What is the Tuskegee study

syphilis study conducted by the US Public Health Service. Men were not treated and denied options to leave the study

Ethics is

the branch of philosophy that is concerned with morality—what it means to behave morally and how people can achieve that goal. It can also refer to a set of principles and practices that provide moral guidance in a particular field.

ethical conflict in psychological research is completely avoidable. True or False?

False. It sometimes is unavoidable

They should treat their participants fairly, for example, by giving them

adequate compensation for their participation and making sure that benefits and risks are distributed across all participants.

one issue in acting with integrity

deception

Scientific research in psychology can be ethical only if

its risks are outweighed by its benefits

another element of respecting rights and dignity

privacy. researches must be confidential

informed consent

researchers obtain and document people's agreement to participate in a study after having informed them of everything that might reasonably be expected to affect their decision

three groups of people that are affected by scientific research

the research participants, the scientific community, and society more generally

autonomy

their right to make their own choices and take their own actions free from coercion

How do you be as ethical as possible?

thoroughly and carefully thinking through the ethical issues that are raised, minimizing the risks, and weighing the risks against the benefits. It also means being able to explain one's ethical decisions to others, seeking feedback on them, and ultimately taking responsibility for them

four general moral principles that apply to scientific research

weighing risks against benefits, acting responsibly and with integrity, seeking justice, and respecting people's rights and dignity