Overview
This lecture introduces the ethical guidelines and standards in psychological research, emphasizing participant protection, integrity, and responsible conduct, especially with vulnerable groups.
Foundations of Research and Ethics
- Research aims to generate generalizable knowledge through systematic observation and experimentation.
- Ethics are principles distinguishing right from wrong, guiding fair and harm-free treatment of participants.
- Research ethics require informed consent (clear explanation before participation) and confidentiality (keeping participant data private).
Institutional Review and Participant Protection
- Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) review research proposals for ethical compliance, especially studies involving humans or animals.
- IRBs evaluate risks (physical, psychological, or social) and require harm minimization, such as debriefing.
- Animal research must ensure humane treatment.
Vulnerable Groups in Research
- Vulnerable populations include children, prisoners, pregnant women, people with mental health conditions, and underprivileged groups.
- Inclusion is allowed only if research benefits the group and can't be conducted with non-vulnerable subjects.
- Extra care and respect are needed, with special consent procedures like proxy consent.
Importance of Ethical Guidelines
- Ethics protect participant rights, dignity, and welfare via informed consent, privacy, and minimized harm.
- Ethical practices prevent misconduct (fabrication, falsification, plagiarism) and ensure credibility.
- Following ethics protects researcher and institutional reputation.
Ethics Committees and National Guidelines
- The Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (FREB) ensures ethical health research in the Philippines.
- FREB oversees ethics review, participant protection, risk-benefit analysis, and confidentiality.
Ethical Guidelines in Mental Health Research
- Mental health research in the Philippines spans surveys, clinical trials, genetic studies, and community research.
- Objectivity methods include assessor blinding and separating control/experimental groups.
- All eligible individuals should be considered participants without bias.
Informed Consent and Confidentiality in Mental Health Research
- Informed consent is ongoing and must be adapted for illiterate or cognitively impaired participants (proxy consent).
- Confidentiality is required but may be breached if safety is at risk.
- Clinical trials need participant identity verification, accompaniment for vulnerable individuals, and continuous consent monitoring.
Special Considerations for Vulnerable Populations
- Children: Require parental/guardian consent and child assent.
- Older persons: May need a legally authorized representative due to cognitive limitations.
- People living with HIV: Extra confidentiality to prevent stigma.
- People with disabilities: Require accessible materials and communication.
- Indigenous peoples: Require community consent and cultural sensitivity.
Key Ethical Principles (APA)
- Beneficence and Non-maleficence: Maximize benefits, avoid harm.
- Fidelity and Responsibility: Maintain trust and professionalism.
- Integrity: Report results honestly and accurately.
- Justice: Ensure fairness and equal opportunity in participation.
- Respect for Rights and Dignity: Uphold participant autonomy, privacy, and informed consent.
Essential Ethical Practices
- Informed consent: Detail the study, risks, and benefits to participants.
- Voluntary participation: No coercion or undue pressure.
- Protection from harm: Safeguard against physical or psychological harm.
- Anonymity and confidentiality: Protect participant identities and data.
- Debriefing: Explain any deception and address negative effects post-study.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Informed Consent — Participants are fully informed about the study before agreeing to join.
- Confidentiality — Keeping participants' information private.
- IRB (Institutional Review Board) — Committee that reviews research for ethical compliance.
- Proxy Consent — Consent given by a legally authorized representative.
- Assessor Blinding — The observer is unaware of participant group assignments.
- FREB — Philippine Health Research Ethics Board, oversees ethical health research.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Watch the next video on Informed Consent Forms.
- Enter the third attendance code: Research Ethics in the Google Form.