Lecture 2 Jo Mustone Ethics in Psychological Research

Milgram's Experiment Stanley Milgram Milgram

Milgram’s Experiment

British Psychological Society: on ethics ‘ ethics as the science of morals or rules of behaviour’. ‘psychology as the scientific study of behaviour both internal (for example, cognition and feelings) and external (for example, language and actions)’. Before embarking on professional work the ethical implications should be considered as part of the work context together with legal, professional and other frameworks.

BPS: Areas of concern Areas of concern include: Multiple relationships – where the psychologist owes an allegiance to several different stakeholders Personal relationships – where the psychologist infringes or violates the trust of a client or clients Unclear or inadequate standards of practice – where the psychologist is unaware of or disregards the current systems in use by peers or others in similar work Breaches of confidentiality – where rules and constraints are broken or not clarified in advance with stakeholders Competence – where excessive or misleading claims are made or where inadequate safeguards and monitoring exist for new areas of work Research issues including falsifying data, failing to obtain consent, plagiarism or failing to acknowledge another’s work or contribution Health problems affecting performance or conduct Bringing the profession or the Society into disrepute

Question Think about Milgram’s research in light of the areas of concern…. Should we be concerned about his 1. methods? 2. Participants?

Gaining approval university, hospital, prison ethics committees proposal: background rationale proposed methodology recruitment & data collection procedure obtaining informed consent duration of session with each participant materials used stats analysis who will have access to the data qualifications and experience of investigator

Respect Competence Responsibility Integrity Main concerns: Deception, potential harm, informed consent, confidentiality Four ethical principles

What are they agreeing too? Do they have enough info. to decide? Plain language Purpose, procedures and approximate duration Free to withdraw/refuse Consequences of (not) taking part Discomforts/risks (e.g. research on pornography) Benefits – personal, academic, community Limits to confidentiality (e.g. prison research) Contact details. Questions. Research Ethics: informed consent

Unacceptable where physical pain or emotional distress are concerned (see Milgram) If no alternative, can be used (with consultation) Explain deception ASAP Opportunity to withdraw data Distinction – deliberate lies & omission of details Research Ethics: deception

Carried out ASAP Correct misconceptions Not guaranteed to deal effectively with harm Procedures in place – researchers are not usually qualified counsellors Research Ethics: debriefing

Question How would you score Milgram on 1. Respect, Competence, Responsibility & Integrity 2. Informed consent 3. Deception 4. Debriefing

Not usual for undergraduate students Laws and regulations: acquisition, care, use, disposal/retirement Supervision: comfort, health, humane treatment Minimise adverse aspects of animal research: e.g. pain, comfort, freedom from infection and illnesses Stress/pain etc. – only if can be justified on the basis of ‘scientific, educational, or applied value’ Anaesthesia before and after surgery If termination is necessary – as painlessly and quickly as possible Research Ethics: animals

Ethics for students You must talk through ethical considerations with your supervisor Include discussion of ethics in your research reports Ensure you use, consent forms etc. Discuss the forms you use in your methodology and link to appendices Include the forms as appendices

How do I write it…? This research will follow the strict ethical guidelines laid out by the British Psychological Society’s guide of ethics and conduct (see society/code-of-conduct), paying particular reference to section 3.3: Standard of protection of research participants. The BPS lists four key areas which psychological research must abide by: respect, competence, responsibility, and integrity. These will both complement and extend the research ethics guidelines laid out by Birmingham City University.

BPS Code of Ethics and Conduct Pay particular attention to: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 3.3, 3.4, Ethics