Ethics in Psychology

Ethics

What are Ethicsa branch of philosophy which seeks to

address questions about moralityhow moral values should be determined how a moral outcome can be achieved in

specific situations how moral capacity or moral agency develops

and what its nature is what moral values people actually abide by

What is the Difference ?Morals: a personal set of notions on right or

wrong based on beliefs

Ethics: a cultural set of notions on right or wrong based off the consensus opinion

Laws: a legal set of notions on right or wrong based on shared social ideas

Which one comes first?

Psychology & Ethics

American Psychological Association Code of Conduct APA developed a strict code

For conducting research on humansFor conducting research on animals

Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct

Ethical Review Committees: boards who answer ethical questions

Violation can result losing license to practiceBeing referenced in advertisements as unprofessional

Fig 2.18 - Ethics in research. Key ethical principles in psychological research, as set forth by the American Psychological Association (1992), are summarized here. These principles are meant to ensure the welfare of both human and animal subjects.

Guidelines for PsychologistsMust respect the dignity & welfare of

subjects

Must not expose research participants to dangerous or harmful conditionsMight cause physical or mental harm

Must obtain approval from the ethics panel at the institution where a study is to be conducted

5 Provisions of APA Guidelines1. Informed and voluntary consent

2. Students as research participation

3. Use of deception

4. Confidentiality of records

5. Information about study & debriefing

Issues in EthicsConsent:

Informed consent: informing a subject that they are participating in an experiment & allowing them to refuse or quit

Deception: How do you have to tell a subject during?

Debriefing: How much do you tell a subject after?

Animal research: ???

Informed ConsentWhat are you required to tell a subject?

That they a participating in an experimentIf there is a chance the experiment may be

harmfulAnswer any question which they have that will

not compromise the experimentWhat can you withhold?

Details of experiment Some experiments may require subjects to not

know the details (Milligram experiment, Anxiety-Affiliation Test, Coke/Diet coke challenge)

DeceptionThose against

It is lying: inherently dishonestMy undermine subjects trust in examinerIt produce distress in subjects, may throw off

results

Those in favorMany issues could not be investigate if

deception not usedNo proof deception is harmful

The Question of Animal Research?Advocates: Animal research offers scientist

the opportunity to test hypotheses without the negative effects toward humans ex: cancer research

Opponents: Animal research does not afford the animals the opportunity to refuse participation like humans