Ethical Guidelines in Psychology [AP Psychology Review Unit 1 Topic 6]

Summary

In this Mr. Sin channel video, we explore Unit 1, Topic 6, focusing on ethical guidelines in psychology. The American Psychological Association (APA) established the first ethical committee in 1947, leading to the creation of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in 1974 to protect human participants in research. The IRB ensures informed consent, privacy, and confidentiality, while balancing risks and benefits. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversees ethical treatment of animals in research. Ethical research is crucial for participant trust and societal benefit, with transparency and respect for rights being paramount.

Takeaways

• 📚 The American Psychological Association (APA) was established in 1892 and later created the first ethical committee in 1947 to set standards for psychological research.
• 🛡️ The Institutional Review Board (IRB) was created in 1974 to protect human participants in research studies conducted by colleges and universities.
• 🔍 IRBs review proposed research to ensure participants are well-protected, focusing on informed consent, risk assessment, and privacy and confidentiality.
• 📋 Informed consent involves providing participants with necessary information to make informed decisions about their participation in a study.
• 🚫 The IRB has the authority to reject studies that do not adequately protect the well-being of participants.
• 🐾 The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversees the ethical treatment of animals in research, teaching, and testing.
• 🌟 Ethical research is crucial for creating a positive environment where participants trust researchers and feel assured of their safety and the study's benefits.
• 🔍 Researchers must ensure the integrity and transparency of their studies, including debriefing participants at the end to explain the study's purpose and procedures.
• 🌐 The APA's ethical standards are designed to protect the rights and dignity of both human and animal subjects in research.
• 🎓 This video concludes the topic review for Unit 1, Topic 6, emphasizing the importance of ethical guidelines in psychological research.

Q & A

What is the role of the American Psychological Association (APA) in psychological research?

The APA is the governing body that oversees psychological research, ensuring that researchers and participants are protected.

Why was the APA's first ethical committee created?

The first ethical committee was created in 1947 to establish standards that all psychological research must follow.

What is the purpose of the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

The IRB was created in 1974 to protect human participants in research studies by reviewing and approving research proposals to ensure participant protection.

What does the IRB check for when reviewing a proposed research study?

The IRB checks if participants have necessary information to make informed decisions, understand the risks, and are free to choose participation, ensuring informed consent.

What is informed consent in the context of psychological research?

Informed consent is the process where researchers provide participants with adequate information about a study's risks so they can make rational decisions about participation.

How does the IRB ensure the protection of participants' privacy and confidentiality?

The IRB ensures privacy and confidentiality by reviewing research protocols to make sure they include measures to protect participant data and identities.

What is the role of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)?

The IACUC regulates and oversees animal care in research, teaching, and testing to ensure ethical treatment of animals used in studies.

Why is it important for researchers to conduct studies ethically?

Ethical studies create a positive environment where participants trust the researcher, ensuring they are not harmed and that the study benefits society.

What does it mean for a study to have integrity and be transparent with participants?

A study with integrity and transparency involves clear communication with participants, including debriefing them at the end to explain the study's purpose and methods.

What are some of the ethical standards created by the APA that researchers must follow?

The APA's ethical standards include respecting people's rights and dignity, ensuring the study's benefits outweigh the risks, and protecting participants from physical and psychological harm.

What is the significance of debriefing participants at the end of a study?

Debriefing participants at the end of a study is significant as it informs them about the study's true purpose and procedures, promoting transparency and trust.