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What is the core principle of research ethics?
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All Flashcards in Topic 1.6
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1.6.110 cards
What is the core principle of research ethics?
Participants' wellbeing comes before the study's results — people before data.
What is informed consent?
Agreeing to take part knowing what the study involves (a guardian consents for children).
What is protection from harm?
Not exposing participants to lasting physical or psychological harm.
What is confidentiality?
Keeping data private and anonymous so individuals cannot be identified.
What is the right to withdraw?
Being able to stop and leave, and remove your data, at any time without penalty.
What is a debrief?
Telling participants the true aim after the study and checking they are okay.
When is deception acceptable?
When it is justified, causes no real harm, and is followed by a full debrief.
Why is full information sometimes withheld?
People may act differently if they know the aim, so mild deception keeps behaviour natural.
Who consents for child participants?
A parent or legal guardian.
Which concept is this?
Responsibility — one of the six core concepts.
1.6.210 cards
Why are animals sometimes used in research?
To control conditions and study processes that would be impossible or unethical in humans.
What are the 3Rs?
Replace (non-animal methods), Reduce (fewest animals), Refine (minimise suffering).
What does 'Replace' mean?
Use non-animal methods — models, cell studies, human scans — wherever possible.
What does 'Reduce' mean?
Use the smallest number of animals that still gives valid results.
What does 'Refine' mean?
Adjust procedures to minimise pain and distress (housing, pain relief, humane handling).
What is the cost-benefit test?
Benefits must clearly outweigh the animals' suffering, with ethics-committee approval.
Why can't animals consent?
They cannot understand or agree, so responsibility falls entirely on the researchers.
One argument for animal research?
It can reveal mechanisms that would be impossible or unethical to study in humans.
One argument against animal research?
Animals cannot consent and can suffer, so their use must be strictly limited.
Which concept is this?
Responsibility — one of the six core concepts.
1.6.310 cards
What is the social responsibility of psychology?
The duty to report findings honestly and consider how the knowledge is used in society.
What is honest reporting?
Presenting results accurately, with limitations, without exaggeration or hiding findings.
Why must psychologists avoid stereotyping?
Average group differences are not fixed truths about any individual.
What does 'guard against misuse' mean?
Anticipating how findings could justify harm and framing them to limit that risk.
Why does responsibility continue after data collection?
Because how findings are reported and used can help or harm society.
How can a biased test create a fake 'difference'?
A measure valid in one culture may unfairly lower another group's scores.
Example of misusing a finding?
Twisting a small study into a sweeping claim to justify discrimination.
Is an average difference a fact about every individual?
No — it is an average and says nothing definite about any one person.
One responsibility when talking to the media?
State the real size and limits of a finding so it is not exaggerated.
Which concept is this?
Responsibility — one of the six core concepts.
Topic 1.6 study notes
Full notes & explanations for Responsibility
Psychology exam skills
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