Ethical responsibility in Research
Core principles
- Consent: Participants must provide informed consent, meaning they understand the study's purpose, procedures, and potential risks.
- Deception can only be used if it is justified and does not cause harm.
- Right to Withdraw: participants should know they can leave the study at any time without penalty. This ensures autonomy and protects participants from feeling coerced.
- Protection from Harm: Researchers must minimize physical and psychological harm. This includes stress, anxiety, or discomfort.
- Confidentiality: Participants' data must be kept anonymous and secure. This protects privacy and encourages honest participation.
All these core principles hinge on beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice.
ExampleMilgram (1963) and its ethical debate
Aim: To investigate obedience to authority figures.
Method: Participants were instructed to administer electric shocks to a "learner" for incorrect answers.
Findings: 65% of participants administered the highest shock level.
Ethical Issues:
- Deception: Participants believed they were harming the learner.
- Protection from Harm: Many experienced stress and guilt.
- Right to Withdraw: Participants felt pressured to continue.
