ETHICS

American Psychological Association

What’s the APA? Based in Washington, DC the American Psychological Association (APA)

is a scientific and professional organization. Represents psychology in the United States.

The objects of the American Psychological Association is to advance psychology as a science and profession. By promoting health, education, and human

welfare ( From http://www.apa.org/about/)

QUESTION!!!

Should psychological research be watched and regulated by an academic team? Why?

Academic Research

Academic research must be approved by an IRB (Institutional Review Board) The IRB looks for ethical code violations. Approve the research procedures ask the researchers to revise the procedures to

meet requirements.

QUESTION!!!

Is it ethical to conduct psychological research using animal subjects?

Issue – Compassion for animals vs. Compassion for people?

Study of rabies caused some dogs to suffer but this research led to saving millions of animals and humans. Is it worth it? Is it right to place the well-being of humans above

the well-being of animals? Should we expose monkeys to the AIDS virus in hopes to

find an AIDS vaccine? Examples of permitting the sacrifice of animals for

the sake of humans: Eat a hamburger, own a leather wallet/purse, believe that

it is ok to kill pests that destroy crops, set a mouse trap in your home, support hunting

APA Guidelines for Animal Research

Must have a clear scientific purpose Must care for and house animals in a

humane way Acquire animals legally. Design procedures that employ the least

amount of suffering possible.

QUESTION!!!

Is it ethical to conduct psychological research using human subjects?

Human Research guidelines (according to the APA)

1. Informed consent 2. Voluntary participation 3. Anonymity or Confidentiality 4. Participants cannot be placed at great mental or physical risk. Stanley Milgram’s obedience studies in 1970’s.

5. Debriefing required