Ethics in Psychological Research: Quizzes and Practice Questions

Question 1

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of participants' explicit agreement to take part in research?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Justice

Question 2

Which of the following is not a fundamental principle of research ethics?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring maximum benefits

Answer

Respect for individuals

Answer

Minimizing harm

Answer

Scientific validity

Question 3

Which ethical guideline emphasizes the researcher's obligation to safeguard participants' private information?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Anonymity

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Debriefing

Question 4

Which ethical guideline requires researchers to provide comprehensive information about a study's purpose, methods, and potential risks?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Anonymity

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Debriefing

Question 5

What is the researcher's ethical obligation to provide participants with information about the study's outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Debriefing

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Anonymity

Question 6

In psychological research, what is a fundamental ethical principle to adhere to?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants prior to their involvement

Answer

Preserving the confidentiality of participants' information

Answer

Remaining objective and unbiased during the research process

Answer

Ensuring the replicability of research findings

Question 7

The ethical principle known as non-maleficence primarily refers to:

Accepted Answer

Avoiding causing harm to research participants

Answer

Maximizing the benefits participants may receive from the research

Answer

Respecting participants' autonomy and decision-making

Answer

Preserving the confidentiality of participants' information

Question 8

What is the primary goal of the ethical principle of beneficence in research?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing the potential benefits that participants may gain from the research

Answer

Carefully balancing the risks and benefits involved in the research

Answer

Preventing any potential harm to research participants

Answer

Ensuring that participants provide informed consent

Question 9

Informed consent in psychological research primarily aims to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure participants have a thorough understanding of the research procedures and potential risks.

Answer

Obtain legal permission for researchers to use participants' data.

Answer

Protect researchers from potential legal liabilities.

Answer

Guarantee that participants will personally benefit from the research.

Question 10

The ethical principle of beneficence requires researchers to:

Accepted Answer

Both maximize benefits and minimize risks

Answer

Maximize the benefits of the research

Answer

Minimize the risks of the research

Answer

Neither maximize benefits nor minimize risks

Question 11

Which of the following is a fundamental principle that underlies ethical psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Data validity

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Reliability

Question 12

Researchers must be aware of potential cultural and ethnic sensitivities when conducting research with human participants. This is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Cultural competence

Answer

Ethical relativism

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of researchers in relation to informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Pressuring participants to sign consent forms

Answer

Providing clear and understandable information

Answer

Ensuring that participants can freely withdraw from the study at any time

Answer

Seeking consent from the legal guardian of potential participants who are minors

Question 14

Which international code of ethics provides guidance on conducting research with human participants?

Accepted Answer

The Declaration of Helsinki

Answer

The Belmont Report

Answer

The Nuremberg Code

Answer

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Question 15

In ethical research, participants are required to give their explicit permission to participate. Which of the following ethical principles outlines this requirement?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 16

Which fundamental ethical principle requires that participants in psychological research are fully informed about the study's purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Accuracy

Question 17

In the United Kingdom, the organization responsible for developing ethical guidelines for psychological research is:

Accepted Answer

The British Psychological Society

Answer

The Medical Research Council

Answer

The Health and Care Professions Council

Answer

The General Medical Council

Question 18

In the United Kingdom, ethical approval for psychological research involving human participants is typically granted by:

Accepted Answer

Local Research Ethics Committees

Answer

The National Health Service

Answer

Universities

Answer

The Department of Education

Question 19

Which ethical principle stresses the need for informed consent, ensuring that participants fully understand the purpose, procedures, and potential risks of research?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 20

What is the primary purpose of a debriefing session following research participation?

Accepted Answer

To provide participants with a thorough explanation of the study, address any questions, and ensure their well-being.

Answer

To collect additional data from participants.

Answer

To compensate participants for their time.

Question 21

What is the primary role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To review and evaluate research proposals to ensure ethical compliance and protect the rights and well-being of participants.

Answer

To provide legal advice to researchers.

Answer

To conduct research studies on behalf of researchers.

Question 22

The ethical principle of confidentiality in psychological research emphasizes the need for:

Accepted Answer

Researchers to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of participant information, protecting their identities and personal data.

Answer

Researchers to share participant information openly with other researchers.

Answer

Researchers to obtain explicit consent from participants before sharing their information.

Question 23

In psychological research, a vulnerable population refers to:

Accepted Answer

Individuals or groups who may be more susceptible to manipulation, exploitation, or harm due to factors such as age, disability, or socioeconomic status.

Answer

Individuals or groups who are not interested in participating in research.

Answer

Individuals or groups who have already participated in research.

Question 24

Which of the following is an example of a deception study in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

A study where participants are misled about the true purpose or nature of the research, often without their knowledge or consent.

Answer

A study where participants are asked to complete a survey about their opinions.

Question 25

What is a major ethical concern associated with using social media data for psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Lack of informed consent and potential privacy violations due to the collection and use of personal information without explicit permission from individuals.

Answer

High cost associated with data collection and analysis.

Answer

Difficulty in recruiting participants for research studies.

Answer

Limited generalizability of findings due to the specific nature of social media user populations.

Question 26

Which scenario best exemplifies a violation of the ethical principle of beneficence?

Accepted Answer

Enrolling participants in an experimental treatment that poses potential risks without their full knowledge or consent.

Answer

Obtaining written consent from participants using slightly misleading language.

Answer

Failing to provide participants with a detailed debriefing at the end of the study.

Question 27

What is the primary purpose of ethically debriefing participants after a study?

Accepted Answer

To convey the study's actual purpose, address any potential concerns, and answer participants' questions.

Answer

To persuade participants to take part in future research projects.

Answer

To collect feedback on the study's design and methodology.

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of adhering to ethical guidelines in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Exploiting research findings for self-promotion or media attention.

Answer

Maintaining the credibility and integrity of the research process.

Answer

Safeguarding the rights, well-being, and dignity of participants.

Question 29

What is the primary function of research ethics committees in the context of psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To meticulously review and approve research proposals, ensuring they meet ethical standards and protect participants' rights.

Answer

To independently conduct research studies on behalf of researchers.

Answer

To offer legal advice and guidance to researchers.

Question 30

In psychological research, which group is typically considered a vulnerable participant population?

Accepted Answer

Children and adolescents, due to their developmental stage and potential susceptibility to coercion or exploitation.

Answer

Adults with advanced levels of education and scientific literacy.

Answer

Healthy adults who volunteer to participate in research.

Answer

Individuals from high-income backgrounds with access to ample resources.

Question 31

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

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 32

Informed consent is an essential requirement for ethical research. What is the primary purpose of obtaining informed consent?

Accepted Answer

To ensure participants fully understand the potential risks and benefits of participating in the study

Answer

To obtain legal protection for the researcher

Answer

To make sure participants are willing to participate

Question 33

Confidentiality is an important aspect of ethical research. What is the primary reason for maintaining confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

To protect participants from potential harm or embarrassment

Answer

To ensure anonymity of participants

Answer

To prevent misuse of data

Answer

To comply with legal regulations

Question 34

Debriefing is an ethical consideration in psychological research. What is the purpose of debriefing?

Accepted Answer

To fully explain the nature of the study, any potential risks and provide an opportunity for participants to ask any questions they may have.

Answer

To obtain further consent from participants

Answer

To collect additional data

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT considered a valid ethical principle in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Deception without informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Debriefing

Question 36

When conducting research with vulnerable participants, which consideration is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Protecting their well-being and ensuring their rights are safeguarded

Answer

Guaranteeing their confidentiality

Answer

Seeking ethical approval

Answer

Obtaining informed consent

Question 37

What is the role of ethical review boards in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To review research proposals and assess the ethical implications of the study

Answer

To enforce ethical guidelines

Answer

To conduct research on ethical issues

Question 38

Ethical dilemmas in psychological research can arise. Which of the following is a common ethical dilemma?

Accepted Answer

Balancing potential benefits of the research against potential risks to participants

Answer

The time and financial constraints of the research

Answer

The availability of participants