1. Ethics lecture
To publish research in psychology must first be approved be a board or committee at the institution you are working at.
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
APA guidelines see table 7-2 (pages )

2. Brief overview of ethical issues
We will consider these issues in relation to the film “Obedience”

3. Informed consent can be a problem
purpose of study
risks involved
right to terminate study
can only be dispensed with if research would not reasonably be assumed to create distress or harm.
Informed consent can be a problem
Bias responding
If people knew the nature of the study they could act in a way that makes them look good
demand characteristics
Bias sample
might lead to a certain kind of person
those that want to shock people

4. Anonymity and Confidentiality
deception
not to be used if the research is reasonably expected to cause physical pain or severe emotional distress
debriefing
offer participants a prompt opportunity to obtain appropriate information about the nature, results, and conclusions of the research. Take reasonable steps to correct any misconceptions that participants may have if which the psychologists are aware.
Anonymity and Confidentiality
collect data using code numbers
keep data confidential and secure
identities kept confidential in write ups

5. Milgram film

6. Were the participants fully informed?
Milgram study
Were the participants fully informed?
was there deception involved?
Do you think that the procedure could have caused psychological stress?
Debriefing?
Milgram has said that he believes the participants were better off
better understanding of themselves.
Post interview
84% said glad to have participated
74% said they benefited from the experience
1% said sorry they had participated

7. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
APA guidelines see table 7-3 (page 212)
Point 5 –
Psychologists use a procedure subjecting animals to pain, stress, or privation only when an alternative procedure is unavailable and the goal is justified by its prospective scientific, educational, or applied value