Ethics in Research (Topic C)

Although this is ethics in research that will specifically come up in the Topic C exam, it may be useful to other topics and to the course in general. 
== Ethical guidelines ==
* Consent - participants should give their consent to taking part in a study
* Right to withdraw - participants should be able to withdraw their consent at any point in the study 
* Deception - participants should not be lied to unless it is absolutely necessary 
* Debrief - participants should be told the real aim of the study when it is over 
* Competence - a researcher must be qualified to conduct the study 
* Protection of participants - participants should not experience any physical or psychological harm, such as distress, anxiety, embarrassment or concern
== How can we protect participants? ==
* make sure all harm is minimised
* psychologists should seek professional help about the identified risks 
* researchers should inform participants where possible about risks involved
* counselling/professional services should be provided if participants have been affected by the study
== Ethical issues in Aggression studies ==
* It is deliberately trying to cause aggression
* Participants are not protected because they are exposed to aggression
* Exposure to aggression may cause harm or distress
* It may also lead to long term aggressive behavior 
* Informed consent often not gained because this may change how aggressive people will be pkaying a game 
* They may feel as if they have to finish the game, so right to withdraw would be violated 
* Participants are often deceived about the aim of the study