Ethical Issues in Psychological Research: Learn the Basics

Question 1

Which ethical principle ensures that research participants are fully aware of the study's purpose and implications before giving their consent?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 2

What is the primary reason for maintaining confidentiality in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To ensure participants' privacy and anonymity

Answer

To protect participants from potential harm

Answer

To maintain the integrity of the research data

Answer

To facilitate the recruitment of new participants

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a potential risk to participants in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Increased self-awareness

Answer

Physical harm

Answer

Psychological distress

Answer

Social stigma

Question 4

What is the main purpose of informed consent in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that participants have the right to make informed decisions about their involvement

Answer

To comply with legal requirements

Answer

To protect researchers from liability

Answer

To prevent participants from withdrawing from the study

Question 5

What is the purpose of a research ethics committee in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To review and approve research proposals for ethical compliance

Answer

To conduct research on ethical issues in psychology

Answer

To provide legal advice to researchers

Answer

To train researchers in ethical research practices

Question 6

What is the primary goal of debriefing participants in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To disclose the true nature of the study

Answer

To assess participants' psychological state

Answer

To obtain feedback on the research experience

Answer

To prevent participants from sharing inaccurate information

Question 7

Which ethical principle emphasizes fairness and avoiding bias in the treatment of research participants?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 8

Which ethical principle places great emphasis on ensuring that participants fully grasp the nature of a study, including potential risks, before consenting to participate?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Protection from harm

Answer

Debriefing

Question 9

What is the primary purpose of the ethical principle of 'respect for autonomy' in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To guarantee participants' right to make informed decisions about their participation

Answer

To safeguard participants from being pressured or manipulated into participating in a study

Answer

To minimize the potential for harm or exploitation

Answer

To uphold the integrity and credibility of research findings

Question 10

Which ethical principle emphasizes minimizing harm to participants in research:

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 11

Beneficence, an ethical principle in research, suggests that:

Accepted Answer

The benefits of research should outweigh the risks

Answer

Participants should be protected from harm

Answer

Research should be conducted fairly

Answer

Participants should have the right to make their own decisions

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Utility

Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 13

Informed consent involves:

Accepted Answer

Providing participants with sufficient information to make an informed decision about participation, including the purpose of the research, any potential risks and benefits, and their right to withdraw.

Answer

Obtaining written permission from all participants.

Answer

Ensuring participants fully understand the research procedures and their implications.

Answer

Compensating participants for their time.

Question 14

Confidentiality in research is crucial because it:

Accepted Answer

Protects participants' privacy and trust, maintaining the confidentiality of their data and responses.

Answer

Ensures the anonymity of data.

Answer

Prevents bias in data collection.

Answer

Facilitates the recruitment of participants.

Question 15

A researcher discloses the names of participants in a study without their consent. This is a violation of:

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 16

According to the ethical principle of confidentiality, researchers are responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Protecting participants' privacy and anonymity

Answer

Sharing participants' information without their consent

Answer

Obtaining consent before audio-recording participants

Answer

Debriefing participants at the end of the study

Question 17

Which category is NOT considered a vulnerable population in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Highly educated adults

Answer

Children

Answer

Elderly individuals

Answer

Individuals with mental health conditions

Question 18

The ethical principle of beneficence requires researchers to:

Accepted Answer

Minimize potential risks and maximize benefits for participants

Answer

Prioritize the advancement of scientific knowledge over participants' well-being

Answer

Obtain informed consent before conducting research

Answer

Maintain the confidentiality of participants' information

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

To provide participants with information about the research and its purpose

Answer

To express gratitude for participants' participation

Answer

To eliminate any lingering biases or influences from the research

Answer

To obtain additional consent for future studies

Question 20

Which ethical guideline emphasizes the importance of honesty and transparency in research methods and findings?

Accepted Answer

Scientific integrity

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Beneficence

Question 21

When a participant chooses to withdraw from a study before its completion, what is the researcher's primary ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

To respect the participant's decision and withdraw their data

Answer

To continue the study without using the participant's data

Answer

To attempt to convince the participant to continue participating

Answer

To share the study results with the participant upon completion

Question 22

What is the main function of ethical review boards (ERBs) in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate research proposals and ensure they adhere to ethical guidelines

Answer

To conduct research studies independently

Answer

To provide legal advice to researchers

Answer

To publish research findings

Question 23

What ethical obligation requires researchers to report any potential or actual harm that may occur to participants during a research study?

Accepted Answer

Duty to Report

Answer

Informed Consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Minimize Harm

Question 24

In psychological research, how do cultural factors impact ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Cultural factors significantly influence ethical decision-making, shaping the interpretation and application of ethical guidelines in research.

Answer

Cultural factors have no bearing on ethical choices in research.

Answer

Cultural factors should only be considered in research involving participants from diverse backgrounds.

Question 25

Which ethical principle requires that participants fully understand the purpose, risks, and benefits of research before they agree to participate?

Accepted Answer

Informed Consent

Answer

Protection of Vulnerable Groups

Answer

Debriefing

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 26

According to ethical guidelines, which type of information must researchers disclose to participants before obtaining informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and right to withdraw

Answer

Only the purpose and procedures

Answer

Only potential risks and benefits

Question 27

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of protecting participants' privacy and preventing the unauthorized disclosure of their personal information?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed Consent

Answer

Debriefing

Answer

Protection of Vulnerable Groups

Question 28

Breaching confidentiality in psychological research can have significant consequences. Which of the following is a potential result of violating participant confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Breach of trust, damage to reputation, legal liability

Answer

Only breach of trust

Answer

Only damage to reputation

Question 29

When conducting psychological research, which groups are considered vulnerable and require additional ethical considerations?

Accepted Answer

Children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities

Answer

Only children

Answer

Only the elderly

Question 30

When working with vulnerable groups, researchers have specific ethical obligations. Which of the following is an ethical requirement when conducting research with vulnerable populations?

Accepted Answer

Employ extra safeguards, obtain informed consent from legal guardians, minimize potential risks

Answer

Only obtain informed consent from legal guardians

Answer

Only employ extra safeguards

Question 31

What is the fundamental purpose of debriefing participants in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To disclose the true nature of the study, answer any questions, and dispel any misconceptions participants may have

Answer

Only to disclose the true nature of the study

Question 32

Using deception in psychological research raises ethical concerns. Which of the following is an ethical implication associated with employing deception in research?

Accepted Answer

Potential for psychological harm, erosion of trust, obligation to fully debrief

Answer

Only erosion of trust

Answer

Only potential for psychological harm

Question 33

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

Accepted Answer

Protecting participants from harm and discomfort

Answer

Maximizing research efficiency

Answer

Avoiding personal bias in data interpretation

Answer

Maintaining secrecy in all circumstances

Question 34

Confidentiality is a key ethical consideration in research. What does it primarily entail?

Accepted Answer

Keeping participant information private and secure

Answer

Using anonymized data in all cases

Answer

Disclosing participant data only with their explicit consent

Answer

Destroying participant data after the research is complete

Question 35

Which of the following groups is generally considered a vulnerable population in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Children

Answer

University students

Answer

Healthy adults

Answer

Middle-aged professionals

Question 36

What is the primary ethical responsibility of researchers when conducting research with vulnerable populations?

Accepted Answer

Taking extra precautions to protect their rights and well-being

Answer

Excluding them from research studies

Answer

Assuming their consent without explicit confirmation

Question 37

What is the primary role of ethics committees in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing research proposals to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines

Answer

Conducting the research studies themselves

Answer

Providing training to researchers on ethical conduct

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a primary ethical concern in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing researcher's personal gain

Answer

Avoiding bias in data collection

Answer

Ensuring participant privacy

Answer

Preventing harm to participants

Question 39

What is the primary purpose of ethical guidelines in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To provide researchers with a framework for conducting ethical research

Answer

To punish researchers who violate ethical principles

Answer

To guarantee that all ethical issues are eliminated

Question 40

Which of the following is an example of a common ethical dilemma faced by researchers in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Deciding whether to deceive participants for the potential benefit of the study

Answer

Interpreting the research results accurately

Answer

Choosing the most suitable research design

Question 41

When faced with significant ethical concerns during psychological research, what is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Consult with ethics committees or experts in the field

Answer

Ignore the concerns if they do not directly impact the research

Answer

Make decisions based solely on personal judgment

Answer

Prioritize the research goals over ethical considerations