Ethics in Psychology

What are ethics?

Ethical Questions

• If something at a yard sale is far more valuable than the posted price, do I have to let the seller know?

• Is it considered stealing to take pens from a bank? What about extra napkins from a fast-food restaurant?

• Is it unfair to move into better (open) seats at a sporting event or a concert?

Ethical Questions Continued…

• My teacher gave me credit for a project on which a classmate did most of the work. Should I accept the praise?

• If someone tells an offensive joke, is it my responsibility to speak up about it?

• Is it ok to look through a boyfriend/girlfriends text messages?

How do ethics play a role in Psychology?

• Conducting research- animal or human, psychologists must adhere to strict ethical guidelines

• Guidelines are in place to protect the subjects who participate in any experiment

Guidelines

• Researchers must obey the guidelines set forth by the American psychological Association's (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct

• Also, the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AHRPP)

• Studies within the U.S., Canada, and other countries must be approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Ethical Rules

• Participants must provide informed consent before taking part in an experiment

• Participants must be debriefed and allowed to view the results after the experiment is completed

• Researcher must ensure confidentiality • Minors must have a parent/guardian present

during experiment• No participant may be psychologically or

physically harmed

Use of Animals in Psychological Research

• Use of animals in research =controversial• Some experiments require animals• Experiments with animals must follow strict

ethical guidelines outlined in the Animal Welfare Act, the National Institute of Mental Health’s Methods, and Welfare Considerations in Behavioral Research with Animals, and more…

Socratic SeminarPilot and Co-pilot work together

Only Pilot can speak; co-pilot passes up responses to pilot

3 before me

Active Listening

Look at each other.. Not the teacher!