Ethics in Psychological Research

Ethics in Psychological Research

Psychological research is connected to issues in ethics and poses the question should harm in small amounts allowed for the greater good. Deception during research, studies, and experiments happen but should this happen to gain important data to ensure advancements to support society. Questions have surfaced regarding ethics in research and psychology. Though the fundamentals are not clear, alternative positions have been revealed as a means to decipher problems within ethics, research, and psychology (American Psychological Association, 1973).

Concerns with regard to ethics in research are apparent, but clinicians indicate no avenues of change or concern as indicated by literature. The Ethical Principles assert that "The general ethical question always is whether there is a negative effect upon the dignity and welfare of the participants that the importance of the research does not warrant. . . . The nearest that the principles in this document come to an immutable 'thou shalt' or 'thou shalt not' is in the insistence that the human participants emerge from their research experience unharmed-or at least that the risks are minimal, understood by the participants, and accepted as reasonable" (APA, Committee on Ethical Standards in Psychological Research, 1973, p. 11).

Defining Ethics

Ethics is regarded by most the normal rule for conduct that allows for distinguishing between right and wrong behavior. Ethics are generally ascertained through society and home. Acquisition of ethics develops throughout life and is deemed by most as common sense. Individuals realize ethics, and there are questions concerning issues within society regarding application, balance, and interpretation by individuals that differ from one another based on experiences, and values (Shamoo & Resnik, 2009).

Ethics also focuses on several disciplines that conduct studies and research with regard to conduct. Perspectives, procedures, and methods of actions and analysis of problems and issues may also be interpretive by most as another method of defining ethics. Institutions, professions, and disciplines have codes and ethics specific and coordinate and govern activities and actions. Adherence to ethics involves promoting research, collaborative work, and values, accountability to society, the public's support and moral and social values. Some ethical codes include honesty, objectivity, carefulness, integrity, confidentially, respectfulness, openness, mentorship, responsibility, competent, unbiased, care of animals and humans, and obedience, and knowledge of policies and laws (Shamoo & Resnik, 2009).

Discussion of Concepts of Benefit and Risk Ratio

Evaluation of risks and benefits should be accomplished prior to research projects used in determining whether such research should be carried out. Principles should also be taken into account and followed in risks and benefits ratios in studies. Individuals and society benefit from research as knowledge enables improvement of an individual's treatment or life. Psychological research allows for better understandings with regard to techniques, interviews, and better parenting (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister & Zechmeister, 2009).

Missed opportunities in knowledge fulfillment can be lost as can life if participants are harmed during the research or study. Benefits and costs must be deliberated as well as interested individuals in the use of data accumulated. Several indicators must be contemplated with regard to balance in research with interest lying in benefits and risk. Nature, magnitude, and potential benefits need to be thought about as immediate and clear benefits may prove worthy. Results are indicative of another consideration in determining validity, reliability, and ability in interpretation of results when reviewed (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister & Zechmeister, 2009).

In dealing with benefits and risks, substitutions