Psychology Chapter 15 - Ethical Issues

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Questions and Answers

What is considered selective reporting in research?

Reporting unexpected findings as planned

Including all results regardless of hypothesis support

Completely omitting findings that did not confirm predictions (correct)

Only presenting results that support the hypothesis (correct)

What does post hoc theorizing involve in research practices?

Adhering strictly to initial research designs

Creating hypotheses before data collection

Defining variables after data is collected

Stating unexpected findings were anticipated from the start (correct)

Which situation is an example of suppression of scientific inquiry?

Funding granted for an innovative research method

A scientist publishing a controversial study

A researcher supporting all findings publicly

A university halting research on sexual behavior (correct)

Which ethical consideration is highlighted regarding data analysis and reporting findings?

Researchers should assess how peers would perceive their reporting methods Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of ethical abuses in research?

Utilizing common sense alongside established principles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT an example of suppression of research findings?

Senator advocating for psychological studies on interpersonal attraction Signup and view all the answers

What is considered minimal risk in research studies?

Risk similar to typical daily life experiences Signup and view all the answers

Why might deception be used in research studies?

To prevent participants' behavior from being artificially influenced Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of maintaining confidentiality in research?

Providing participants with unique identification codes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of debriefing participants after a study?

To clarify the study's nature and address any stress induced Signup and view all the answers

Which group requires special ethical considerations regarding consent?

Prisoners and children Signup and view all the answers

What does the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversee?

Guidelines for the treatment of nonhuman animals in research Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is categorized as scientific misconduct?

Fabrication of data Signup and view all the answers

Which practice should researchers avoid to maintain ethical standards in data analysis?

Selective reporting of results Signup and view all the answers

What ethical principle applies when conducting research with vulnerable populations?

Risks must be fully explained and understood Signup and view all the answers

Which form of misconduct involves taking credit for someone else's work?

Plagiarism Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of informed consent in research?

To protect the rights of participants while providing study details Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical approach requires that decisions be judged against a universal moral code?

Deontology Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of lacking adequate informed consent?

Compromised study validity Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can informed consent be waived?

If the research carries minimal risk to participants Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in research?

To review and ensure ethical standards in research with human subjects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a violation of participant confidentiality?

Identifying participants by name in research reports Signup and view all the answers

What should participants be informed about in the informed consent process?

Potential risks and benefits of the research Signup and view all the answers

What does coercion to participate often involve?

Pressure from an authority figure that influences participant decision Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical guideline focuses on preventing inappropriate invasion of a participant's privacy?

Confidentiality agreements Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk involved in research that may affect participant welfare?

Potential mental health or physical harm Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Approaches to Ethical Decisions

Ethical decisions in behavioral research hinge on two primary obligations: enhancing understanding of behavior and protecting the rights and welfare of subjects.
Deontology emphasizes adherence to a universal moral code in determining ethics.
Ethical skepticism posits that ethical decisions are subjective and depend on individual conscience.
Utilitarianism advocates weighing potential benefits against potential costs of actions.

Basic Ethical Guidelines

Guidelines set by organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) provide ethical standards for professional behavior and research with human and nonhuman subjects.
Research with human participants must undergo review to protect their welfare, considering cost-benefit analysis and potential research improvements.
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are mandated for all federally funded institutions to ensure ethical oversight of human participant research.
Key ethical issues include adequate informed consent, privacy invasions, coercion, risks of harm, potential deception, and confidentiality violations.

Informed consent ensures participants are fully aware of study details and their rights, allowing them to agree to participate knowingly.
Essential components of informed consent include the research purpose, methods, risks, benefits, confidentiality limits, and participant rights.
Problems with obtaining informed consent arise when participants are incapable of giving consent, which can compromise study validity.

Invasion of Privacy

Individuals possess the right to determine how and when their personal information is disclosed.
Current guidelines from the APA do not comprehensively address privacy invasions in research settings.

Coercion to Participate

Coercion is present when participants feel real or implied pressure from authority figures to participate in research.

Physical and Mental Stress

Minimal risk involves harm or discomfort that does not exceed everyday experiences.
Additional safeguards are required when research poses more than minimal risk to ensure participant welfare.

Deception

Deception in research can involve misleading participants about the true purpose or providing incorrect information to avoid bias.
Ethical concerns about deception include the moral implications of dishonesty and the potential for negative outcomes from such practices.

Confidentiality

Researchers must protect participant data confidentiality, ensuring anonymity and secure data handling.
Identifiable information should be minimized or eliminated to maintain participant privacy.

Debriefing

Debriefing serves to clarify the study's purpose, alleviate participant stress, and gather feedback on their experience, reinforcing the value of their contribution.

Vulnerable Populations

Special considerations are necessary for vulnerable groups, including children and prisoners, to ensure informed consent and protection from coercion.
Particular care is needed for individuals with impaired consent capacity and at-risk populations like those considering suicide or affected by pregnancy.

Ethical Principles in Research with Nonhuman Animals

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversees ethical standards for research involving animals, adhering to federal guidelines.
Ethical obligations include minimizing suffering and justifying any procedures causing more than slight pain.

Scientific Misconduct

Key types of misconduct include fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism, each necessitating correction when discovered.
Unethical behaviors such as harassment, conflicts of interest, and regulatory failures undermine research integrity.

Ethical Issues in Analyzing Data and Reporting Results

Researchers must avoid practices like data cleaning or selective reporting, which can distort research findings and mislead the scientific community.
Ethical analysis focuses on how actions would be perceived by peers in the research field.

Suppression of Scientific Inquiry and Research Findings

Historical instances of suppression include objections to groundbreaking theories by authorities, reflecting challenges in scientific exploration.
Legislation and institutional barriers have historically halted diverse research topics, demonstrating tensions between research and societal perceptions.

Final Note on Ethical Abuses

Adherence to APA principles and federal regulations should be coupled with common sense to avoid ethical infringements in research practices.

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Description

Explore the complexities of ethical decision-making in behavioral research with this quiz. Delve into frameworks like deontology, ethical skepticism, and utilitarianism as you learn about the obligations to both enhance understanding and protect subjects' rights. Test your grasp of these important concepts and their application in research contexts.