Overview
This lecture reviews the historical development of psychological research ethics, highlighting notorious studies, the evolution of ethical codes, and current standards for responsible research and professional conduct.
Historical Context of Psychological Ethics
- Pre-WWII, research ethics were left to individual researchers with little oversight.
- The Nuremberg Trials led to increased awareness and formal controls for research ethics globally.
- Ethical guidelines in psychology have evolved rapidly; past acceptable practices may now be seen as unethical.
Notorious Psychological Experiments
- Little Albert Experiment (Watson, 1930s): Conditioned a child to fear a white rat, lacking informed consent and causing lasting harm.
- Milgram Obedience Study (1960s): Participants believed they administered dangerous shocks; highlighted the effects of authority and raised ethical issues regarding psychological distress.
- Stanford Prison Experiment (Zimbardo, 1971): Simulated prison environment led to abuse and psychological harm; stopped early due to ethical concerns.
Tuskegee Syphilis Study and Broader Impacts
- From 1932-1972, Black men were denied syphilis treatment to study the disease’s natural progression.
- Led to the Belmont Report, creation of the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), and mandatory Institutional Review Boards (IRBs).
APA Ethics Code: Structure and Principles
- The APA Ethics Code includes an introduction, preamble, five general principles, and enforceable ethical standards.
- General Principles:
- A. Beneficence & Nonmalfeasance: Do no harm, safeguard welfare.
- B. Fidelity & Responsibility: Build trust, uphold professional standards.
- C. Integrity: Promote honesty and accuracy.
- D. Justice: Ensure fairness and prevent bias.
- E. Respect for Rights & Dignity: Uphold privacy, confidentiality, and respect for all people.
Ethical Standards and Procedures
- IRB approval required for research involving human subjects.
- Informed consent is mandatory, ensuring participants understand risks, benefits, and rights.
- Deception allowed only when justified and must be explained in debriefing.
- Special care required when including students, subordinates, or vulnerable populations.
- Confidentiality and avoidance of coercive inducements are crucial.
- Data fabrication, plagiarism, and duplicate publication are prohibited.
- Authorship and publication credit must be clarified before research begins.
- Researchers must make data available for verification post-publication.
- Peer reviewers must maintain confidentiality and respect property rights.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Informed Consent — Process where participants are fully informed about a study’s risks and benefits before agreeing to participate.
- Institutional Review Board (IRB) — Committee that reviews research proposals to ensure ethical standards are met.
- Debriefing — Explanation of a study’s purpose and methods provided to participants after their involvement.
- Dual Relationships — Situations where multiple roles exist between psychologist and participant, risking conflicts of interest.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Watch assigned videos on Little Albert, Milgram, and Stanford Prison Experiment.
- Post responses to discussion questions by Sunday at 11:59 p.m.
- Respond substantively to at least two classmates’ posts.
- Contact instructor with any individual questions via Canvas inbox.