Ethical Issues in Psychological Research: with an emphasis on genetics

Participants should give informed consent.

1. In studies involving children, informed parental consent should be obtained.
2. Payment should not be used to induce risk taking behaviour.
3. Special safeguarding procedures are necessary with subjects with limitations in
communication or understanding or where unable to give real consent.

Deception should be avoided if at all possible.

a. Should not cause distress
b. Only permissible where research is very important and no alternative method is
available (APA).
c. Participants must be fully informed as soon as possible (BPS).

All data should be confidential, all PPs should be anonymous and unidentifiable unless
prior informed consent given.
a. Can be problematic in case studies.
b. Procedures should routinely anonymise PPs (e.g. through use of numbers; not
recording names etc.).
c. If confidentiality cannot be ensured e.g. a participant discloses something illegal,
they must be warned of this at the start of the investigation.

Debriefing takes place after the study:

a. Inform participants about the true nature of the research they have participated in.
b. Ensure no harm has occurred.
c. Obtain feedback about the study; check for negative effects or misunderstandings;
invite and answer questions.
d. Offer the right to withdraw and destroy data if so.

Participants must be informed about their right to withdraw.

1. Can stop participating at any time, including during and after the study.
2. For any reason.
3. Their results will not be included.
4. This should be made clear at the start & end of the study.
5. No pressure may be applied to keep participants: monetary compensation is given
even if participants withdraw.

SUMMARY
 Ethical Issues in Psychological Research: with an emphasis on genetics
The most important thing is to protect participants from harm.
a. Risk should be no more than participants expect in everyday life.
b. Harm includes both physical and psychological harm (e.g. stress, damage to self
image)
c. Any negative effects of an investigation should be dealt with afterwards.
d. If evidence of psychological or physical problems arises from study: the researcher
must offer advice or recommend them to a professional.
e. There must be opportunity to get in touch with the researcher afterwards.

Research on Non-human animals

a. Use the smallest number of animals possible.
b. Avoid procedures which cause pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. If not possible
need a project license.
c. Ensure that animals are well housed and cared for.
d. Normal feeding and breeding habits should not be disrupted.
e. Investigate free-living animals as much as possible, with as little interference with
their natural environment.

Unethical research may still be carried out if it’s outcome can be justified.
Deception is very common: this may cause distress or embarrassment for the
participants. This may be justified if participants are treated ethically after the event e.g.
a. counseled
b. ensured privacy
c. given the right to withdraw.

Risks in Genetics research

1. Strong outside interests in the data – insurance companies and employers
2. Participants may discover unwanted information
3. Information may cause distress – Aboriginal groups for example
4. The general public lacks information to give informed consent.

SUMMARY