Ethical Principles For Psychological Research

Ethical Principles for Psychological Research

Scientific research is considered the "systematic, controlled, empirical, amoral, public and critical of natural phenomena, which is guided by theory and hypothesis about alleged relationships between these phenomena". 

Being an orderly process you can contrast the hypotheses with experiences. In addition, this implies preventing prejudices that distort the validity and reliability of the results. In other words, psychological research consists in applying the scientific method in humans, in order to generate theories that allow to explain and predict their behavior.

Being the human being reason for the investigation, respect for its dignity must be taken into account, so as not to violate their freedom of choice;He is the ultimate goal of the investigative process. It is here, where the dilemma arises: scientific development and well -being of the person.

Richaud recommends that to act ethically in an investigation, it should be known: 1.- the point of view of the participants, their expectations, concerns and beliefs;two.- how to communicate the objectives of the investigation to the participants to understand them;3.- how to respect the privacy of the participants;4.- how to carry out a valid investigation with the least irrigation for participants and society;5.- The researcher’s objectives.

Franca-tarragó, distinguishes three stages in which the main ethical difficulties arise.

When initiating the investigation: weak justifications are considered to say that "the results of the investigation will result in the benefit of humanity" without considering the psychological tension or discomfort of the person during the process.

Also segregation in the choice of participants, noting that WHO argues that vulnerable groups should not be included in research to obtain the necessary information without them. It is closely related to the invasion of privacy, especially when individuals or groups are observed and analyzed without their consent. In addition, random distribution is mentioned, when establishing a group that will receive experimental therapy, a placebo or will be exposed to conditions that could be harmful to them. Similar to the use of deception, preventing the experimental subject from imagining what are the hypothesis to be tested with research and acting according to them. Of course there are three challenges to refute the deception: to deny the right to be informed, resulting in distrust in the veracity of inquiry and honesty of the professional. If an investigation is very important, it can be done without the damage of manipulation.

During the development of the research the main problem is the manipulation of identity, that is, to use the vulnerability of the other to achieve what one wants;The risks of psychological damage are added, which, although no group damage has been evidencemedications under the category of "therapeutic innovation", worseing with the limited information the patient receives to prevent their behavior from changing. Another dilemma arises in research with psychosocial therapies, where through the wide range of options;It easily falls into improvisation, theoretical fantasies, manipulating patients, really irresponsible attitudes, but without a clear regulation that controls or sanctions bad practice.

After collecting the data: first, there is post experimental unveiling. That is, pretending to amend any damage caused during the process, making the participant known the details of the investigation;However, there is evidence that this does not easily work. There is also biased interpretation of the results, since scientists make their observation according to their mental structures, predisposition is evidenced in their perception, altering valuations and obtaining subjective conclusions. 

In short, every investigative process must begin with respect to the individual;Beyond scientific or economic objectives is the dignity, freedom and integrity of the participants. The use of informed consent becomes fundamental here, which must be prepared with adequate information, thoroughly to keep the objectives of the investigation clear, but also explaining the possible effects on the individual.

Bibliography

• Franca-tarragó, or. (2008). Ethics for psychologists, introduction to psychoetics. Henao: Brouwer, SA.
• Richaud, m. C. (2007). Ethics in psychological research. Approaches, 5-18. Obtained from Dialnet.
• Sojo, v. (2004). Ethics in psychological research with humans. Obtained from Central University of Venezuela: https: // psychoexperimental.Files.WordPress.com/2011/03/c3a9ica-in-investigic.PDF