Ethics (Psychology Issues Explained) #Alevel #Revision

Summary

The video discusses the ongoing ethical concerns in psychology research, highlighting issues like deception, informed consent, confidentiality, and the potential for psychological harm. It emphasizes the importance of obtaining consent and debriefing participants post-study. While deception can enhance the validity of findings by minimizing bias, it raises ethical dilemmas that may harm participants and tarnish the field's reputation. Ultimately, the video calls for a careful balance between research integrity and participant welfare, suggesting that ethical considerations must remain at the forefront of psychological studies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ethics in psychology has evolved, but concerns about unethical practices persist.
• 🔍 Deception in research can enhance ecological and internal validity but raises ethical concerns.
• 📝 Informed consent is crucial; participants must understand the study and agree to participate.
• 👶 Parental consent is necessary for research involving children, who should also provide assent.
• 🔒 Confidentiality is essential; participants' identities must be protected in studies and publications.
• 😟 Researchers must avoid causing psychological or physical harm to participants.
• 💬 Debriefing allows participants to learn the true aims of the study and ask questions afterward.
• 🚪 Participants should be informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any time.
• ⚖️ Ethical issues can damage the reputation of psychological research, affecting future participation.
• 🌍 Naturalistic studies can lead to more authentic behaviors but may compromise participant privacy.

Q & A

What is a major ethical issue in psychology research?

Deception is a major ethical issue, where participants are not fully informed about the study's aims.

Why is informed consent important in psychological studies?

Informed consent ensures that participants understand what the study involves and agree to participate voluntarily.

How should researchers handle confidentiality?

Researchers must protect participants' identities and ensure that their information is not shared publicly.

What types of harm should psychological research avoid?

Research should avoid causing psychological harm, such as anxiety or stress, and physical harm to participants.

What is the purpose of debriefing participants after a study?

Debriefing informs participants of the study's true aims and allows them to ask questions about their involvement.

What rights do participants have regarding their involvement in research?

Participants have the right to withdraw from the study at any time and to decline to answer specific questions.

How can deception enhance the validity of a study?

Deception can reduce demand characteristics and social desirability bias, leading to more authentic participant behavior.

What are some potential weaknesses of using deception in research?

Participants may feel deceived, which could lead to psychological harm and negatively affect their willingness to participate in future studies.

How can ethical issues affect the reputation of psychological research?

Ethical issues can harm the reputation of psychology, making people hesitant to participate in studies or affecting how they behave in research.

What is 'assent' in the context of research with children?

Assent is the process of obtaining agreement from children to participate in a study, in addition to parental consent.