The Importance of Ethical Guidelines When Conducting Psychological Research

The Importance of Ethical Guidelines When Conducting Psychological Research

Ethical guidelines are concerns about the impact that research has on

the subjects. The effects can be both beneficial and harmful and so

the researcher must always think very carefully about how they ought

to behave so that no harm comes to the subjects.

In the 1960's the ethical aspect of research was barely considered

they were accepted as a way in which research was conducted. The need

to have some sort of guidelines to protect research subjects was

recognised in the 1970's, but it wasn't until 1990's that the first

set of ethical guidelines were published.

Ethical guidelines produced by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

for human subjects in the 1990's consisted of ten principles. Examples

of these are deception, the right to withdraw, and protection of

participants. These are all important when conducting psychological

research to make sure that the psychologists don't cause pain or

damage to their subjects as a result of their investigations.

Investigators must consider the ethical implications and psychological

consequences for the participants in their research in all

circumstances. The essential belief is that the investigation should

be considered from the point of view of all participants. Foreseeable

threats to their psychological well-being, health, values or dignity

should be removed. Investigators should recognise that, where

investigations involve individuals of different ages, gender and

social background, the investigators may not have enough knowledge of

the consequences of any investigation for the participants.

In the 19...

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...d to return to them, no doubt because they

had no other source of comfort. This type of experiment would breach

animal ethnic guidelines. The Animal Welfare Act, altered in 1985

governs the care and use of many research animals. The U.S. Department

of Agriculture is responsible for enforcing the Act and carrying out

regular unannounced inspections of animal research facilities. The

IACUC is required to include both a veterinarian and a local community

member who is not associated with the establishment. Animals may not

be obtained and studies may not be conducted unless the IACUC has

approved the code of behaviour for its adherence to Federal guidelines

for appropriate and humane use of animals. The IACUC must also

maintain records about the use of animals at the institution and

conduct periodic inspections of its own.