Ethics in Psychology: Principles and Applications for Sixth Form

Question 1

Which of these core ethical principles in psychology emphasizes doing good and avoiding harm?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Justice

Question 2

Which is NOT an advantage of using deception in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Protecting participants from discomfort or distress

Answer

Preventing participants from guessing the true purpose

Answer

Reducing biases and expectations

Answer

Allowing researchers to manipulate variables more easily

Question 3

The ethical principle of beneficence emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Promoting the well-being and safety of participants

Answer

Ensuring research is conducted with integrity

Answer

Respecting the rights and dignity of individuals

Answer

Balancing risks against the benefits of research

Question 4

The ethical principle of autonomy:

Accepted Answer

Ensures that participants freely give informed consent

Answer

Protects participants from harm

Answer

Contributes to scientific advancement

Answer

Maintains the privacy of research data

Question 5

Which ethical principle prioritizes individuals' right to control their involvement in research?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 6

Before conducting psychological research with human participants, researchers typically seek:

Accepted Answer

Approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Answer

Peer review of the research proposal

Answer

Governmental approval

Answer

Solely informed consent from participants

Question 7

What are potential negative consequences of unethical conduct in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Legal sanctions

Accepted Answer

Loss of research funding

Answer

Enhanced scientific reputation

Answer

Improved participant well-being

Question 8

Which ethical principle emphasizes the need for researchers to ensure that participants fully comprehend the study's purpose and provide their voluntary consent?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 9

Identify the option that is NOT a potential risk associated with psychological research:

Accepted Answer

No risks

Answer

Physical harm

Answer

Psychological distress

Answer

Economic loss

Question 10

The process of evaluating research proposals to determine their ethical implications is known as:

Accepted Answer

Ethical review

Answer

Peer review

Answer

Validity assessment

Answer

Quality control

Question 11

When conducting psychological research using animals, a primary ethical concern is:

Accepted Answer

Animal welfare

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Data validity

Question 12

The ethical principle of beneficence requires researchers to:

Accepted Answer

Maximize benefits and minimize potential harms

Answer

Respect participants' autonomy

Answer

Maintain confidentiality

Answer

Follow established ethical guidelines

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of ethical guidelines in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Guaranteeing the success of research projects

Answer

Protecting participants from harm

Answer

Enhancing the credibility of research

Answer

Promoting public trust in psychology as a profession

Question 14

Which ethical principle highlights the need for participants to provide informed consent before participating in research?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 15

In the United Kingdom, which professional organization establishes ethical guidelines for psychologists?

Accepted Answer

British Psychological Society

Answer

General Medical Council

Answer

Nursing and Midwifery Council

Answer

Royal College of Psychiatrists

Question 16

Which ethical principle requires researchers to treat all participants fairly and impartially?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 17

When evaluating the ethical implications of a research project, which factor should be a primary consideration?

Accepted Answer

The potential risks to participants

Answer

The potential benefits to society

Answer

The scientific value of the research

Answer

The personal beliefs of the researchers

Question 18

Which ethical principle emphasizes the researcher's obligation to minimize harm to participants?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Justice

Question 19

Which ethical principle highlights the importance of respecting participants' decisions and choices?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 20

Which ethical principle refers to the researcher's responsibility to protect participants from physical or psychological injury?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 21

How do culturally sensitive research practices uphold ethical research standards?

Accepted Answer

They respect cultural values and norms.

Answer

They eliminate the need for ethical guidelines.

Answer

They solely focus on protecting participant anonymity.

Answer

They involve avoiding research in certain cultures.

Question 22

The ethical principle of beneficence requires researchers to:

Accepted Answer

Both of the above

Answer

Maximize the potential benefits of the research.

Answer

Minimize the potential risks to participants.

Question 23

The 'Belmont Report' is a historical document that established guidelines for:

Accepted Answer

Ethical conduct in psychological research

Answer

Data protection in healthcare research

Answer

Informed consent in research

Answer

Animal welfare in research

Question 24

The 'utilitarian approach' to ethics in psychology suggests that:

Accepted Answer

The action that maximizes overall benefit and minimizes harm should be prioritized

Answer

Individual rights and freedoms should be the primary concern

Answer

Ethics should be based on universal moral principles

Answer

Cultural and contextual factors should be carefully considered

Question 25

Which fundamental ethical principle requires researchers to obtain voluntary and informed consent before involving participants in research?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 26

When evaluating research, it is essential to consider the:

Accepted Answer

Risks and benefits to participants

Answer

Researchers' personal beliefs

Answer

Popularity of the research topic

Answer

Availability of funding

Question 27

The principle of beneficence in research ethics:

Accepted Answer

Requires maximizing benefits and minimizing harm

Answer

Prohibits causing distress to participants

Answer

Protects the rights and interests of participants

Answer

Encourages researchers to pursue novel methods

Question 28

Which ethical principle prioritizes obtaining the consent of participants in a clear and informed manner before conducting research? Select the most appropriate option.

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 29

When conducting research involving individuals who may be vulnerable or have diminished capacity, which ethical consideration becomes crucial to uphold? Select the most appropriate option.

Accepted Answer

Power imbalances

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 30

The principle of beneficence requires researchers to prioritize the following actions. Select the most appropriate option.

Accepted Answer

Maximize potential benefits and minimize potential harms

Answer

Obtain informed consent before conducting research

Answer

Maintain confidentiality of participants' data

Answer

Avoid deception in their research methods

Question 31

Which of the following actions is NOT an effective way to ensure the anonymity of participants in psychological research? Select the most appropriate option.

Accepted Answer

Asking participants to sign consent forms

Answer

Using pseudonyms to identify participants

Answer

Collecting data in a way that does not allow for individual identification

Answer

Obtaining informed consent

Question 32

The ethical principle of justice emphasizes the importance of: Select the most appropriate option.

Accepted Answer

Ensuring fair and equitable distribution of benefits and burdens

Answer

Protecting participants from harm

Answer

Respecting participants' autonomy

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality

Question 33

In the United States, which body is responsible for reviewing and approving research proposals to ensure ethical compliance? Select the most appropriate option.

Accepted Answer

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Answer

American Psychological Association (APA)

Answer

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Answer

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Question 34

What is the primary purpose of debriefing in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To provide participants with information about the research after it is completed and correct any misconceptions they may have

Answer

To ensure that participants understand the potential risks and benefits of the research

Answer

To obtain feedback from participants on the research experience

Answer

To determine whether the research hypotheses were supported

Question 35

The British Psychological Society (BPS) guidelines emphasize the importance of obtaining **informed consent** from participants. What does informed consent entail?

Accepted Answer

Providing consent after being fully informed about the research and its potential risks and benefits, with the right to withdraw

Answer

Participating in research without being made aware of the purpose or procedures

Answer

Agreeing to participate in research without having the right to withdraw

Answer

Signing a consent form without understanding the research

Question 36

Which of the following is **not** a potential ethical issue in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Benefiting participants through research participation

Answer

Invading participants' privacy

Answer

Harming participants physically or psychologically

Answer

Altering participants' behaviour without their knowledge

Question 37

The Belmont Report, developed in the United States, outlines three fundamental ethical principles. Which of the following is **not** one of these principles?

Accepted Answer

Social value

Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 38

Which ethical principle ensures that participants in research are not exposed to more risk than is necessary?

Accepted Answer

Risk-benefit analysis

Answer

Privacy

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Question 39

What is the primary responsibility of a Research Ethics Committee (REC) in psychology?

Accepted Answer

To review and approve research proposals before they can be conducted, ensuring ethical compliance

Answer

To provide legal advice to researchers

Answer

To conduct research on ethical issues

Answer

To punish researchers who break ethical rules

Question 40

Which of the following is **a key** ethical guideline for the storage and handling of research data?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring confidentiality, security, and appropriate retention periods

Answer

Destroying data after use

Answer

Selling data to third parties

Answer

Altering data to fit hypotheses

Question 41

Which of the following is a fundamental ethical principle in research involving human participants?

Accepted Answer

Respect for the dignity and worth of the individual

Answer

Pursuit of knowledge

Answer

Scientific rigour

Answer

Objectivity

Question 42

The ethical guideline requiring researchers to obtain informed consent is grounded in the ethical concept of:

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 43

The ethical principle that guides researchers in minimizing the risk of harm to participants is:

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 44

The professional body responsible for establishing ethical guidelines for psychologists in the United Kingdom is:

Accepted Answer

The British Psychological Society (BPS)

Answer

The National Health Service (NHS)

Answer

The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental ethical principle in psychological research and practice?

Accepted Answer

Efficiency

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 46

Informed consent in research requires that participants:

Accepted Answer

Fully comprehend the study's purpose, procedures, and their right to withdraw.

Answer

Receive monetary compensation for their participation.

Answer

Are guaranteed complete anonymity.

Question 47

Which ethical guideline prohibits psychologists from engaging in dual relationships that could impair their professional judgment and objectivity?

Accepted Answer

Conflict of Interest

Answer

Fairness

Answer

Privacy

Answer

Objectivity

Question 48

The Belmont Report established three fundamental ethical principles for research involving human subjects. Which is NOT one of these principles?

Accepted Answer

Efficiency

Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 49

Which ethical principle obligates psychologists to uphold the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and transparency in their research and practice?

Accepted Answer

Integrity

Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Competence

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 50

Which action would violate the ethical principle of non-maleficence?

Accepted Answer

Intentionally causing physical or psychological harm to participants during research.

Answer

Not informing participants of potential risks prior to their involvement.

Answer

Failing to obtain informed consent.

Question 51

The ethical principle of beneficence requires that psychologists:

Accepted Answer

Maximize potential benefits and minimize potential harms to participants.

Answer

Respect participants' autonomy and decision-making capacity.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality and protect participants' privacy.

Question 52

Which ethical guideline mandates that psychologists pursue continuing education and professional development to enhance their competence and stay up-to-date with best practices?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance of Competence

Answer

Privacy

Answer

Integrity

Answer

Fidelity

Question 53

The ethical principle of justice requires that psychologists:

Accepted Answer

Ensure fair treatment and equitable distribution of benefits and burdens in research.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality of all research data.

Answer

Prioritize the interests of the researcher over the participants.