FREE BAPSY Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Research Methods Ethics Questions and Answers

Question 1

A researcher is conducting a study on the effectiveness of a new therapy for anxiety.
Participants are randomly assigned to either the experimental group (receiving the new therapy) or a control group (receiving no treatment).
Before the study begins, what ethical principle is most crucial for the researcher to ensure regarding the control group participants?

Accepted Answer

That they receive access to an alternative or standard treatment after the study concludes if the new therapy proves effective.

Answer

That they are fully debriefed about the purpose of the study after its completion.

Answer

That they are compensated equally for their time as the experimental group.

Answer

That their data is collected anonymously to protect their privacy.

Question 2

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a breach of the ethical principle of 'informed consent' in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Participants are given a consent form to sign, but the language used is highly technical and difficult for a layperson to understand.

Answer

Participants are told the general purpose of the study, but not the specific hypotheses being tested.

Answer

A researcher observes public behavior without informing individuals they are part of a study.

Answer

Children under 16 provide assent, but their parents' consent is not obtained.

Question 3

During a qualitative study, a participant reveals highly sensitive personal information that could potentially put them at risk if disclosed. The researcher had initially promised confidentiality. What is the most ethically sound course of action for the researcher?

Accepted Answer

Maintain confidentiality as promised, even if it means withholding potentially relevant data from the study report.

Answer

Include the information but anonymize it so extensively that the participant cannot be identified.

Answer

Inform the participant that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed due to the sensitive nature of the information.

Answer

Report the information to relevant authorities, overriding the promise of confidentiality due to potential risk.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a debriefing session after a research study, especially one involving deception?

Accepted Answer

To explain the true purpose of the study, address any potential harm from deception, and ensure participants leave feeling respected.

Answer

To thank participants for their time and compensate them for their involvement.

Answer

To obtain additional qualitative data through open-ended questions.

Answer

To collect feedback on the study design and methodology for future improvements.

Question 5

Which ethical guideline is most directly concerned with protecting participants from experiencing psychological discomfort, stress, or embarrassment during a study?

Accepted Answer

Protection from harm.

Answer

Right to withdraw.

Answer

Anonymity and confidentiality.

Answer

Informed consent.

Question 6

A psychology student is designing a survey for their dissertation. They plan to ask sensitive questions about mental health experiences. Which of the following is an essential ethical consideration for the student to implement?

Accepted Answer

Providing contact information for support services or helplines within the survey materials.

Answer

Ensuring the survey is administered face-to-face to build rapport.

Answer

Only including participants who have previously sought mental health support.

Answer

Making participation in the survey mandatory for a course credit.