Ethics in Research: Essential Principles for Psychology Students

Question 1

In research involving human participants, which ethical principle is paramount?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from all participants

Answer

Withholding information to prevent distress

Answer

Prioritizing the researcher's interests over participants' well-being

Question 2

Which ethical principle requires researchers to obtain voluntary, informed consent from participants before initiating research?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 3

Which ethical principle emphasizes the need to avoid causing harm to participants in research?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 4

What is the paramount responsibility of researchers in ensuring the ethical conduct of their studies?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard the rights and well-being of participants

Answer

To prioritize scientific rigor

Answer

To adhere to IRB regulations

Answer

To avoid misconduct

Question 5

The primary purpose of obtaining informed consent from research participants is to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure that participants fully comprehend the study's risks and benefits.

Answer

Protect researchers from legal repercussions.

Answer

Document that participants are legally capable of providing consent.

Answer

Show that the research project has received ethical approval.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a key consideration for protecting human subjects in research?

Accepted Answer

Providing financial compensation to participants

Answer

Minimizing potential risks to participants

Answer

Ensuring participants' privacy and confidentiality

Answer

Treating participants with respect and dignity

Question 7

The Belmont Report primarily serves as:

Accepted Answer

A set of ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects.

Answer

A legal framework for protecting participants in research studies.

Answer

A code of conduct for psychologists.

Answer

A guide for designing research protocols.

Question 8

The primary function of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in research is to:

Accepted Answer

Review and approve research proposals involving human subjects.

Answer

Monitor ongoing research studies to ensure ethical compliance.

Answer

Provide training on ethical research practices.

Answer

Conduct independent research on ethical issues.

Question 9

Deception in research, as opposed to concealment, involves:

Accepted Answer

Actively misleading participants

Answer

Withholding information from participants

Answer

Both actively misleading participants and withholding information

Answer

Neither actively misleading participants nor withholding information

Question 10

In research involving human participants, which ethical principle requires researchers to respect the autonomy of individuals?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Fidelity

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a core ethical principle guiding research in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Prioritize self-interest

Answer

Minimize harm to participants

Answer

Protect participant confidentiality

Answer

Respect participant autonomy

Question 12

The process of obtaining a participant's informed, voluntary agreement to participate in research is known as:

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Coercion

Answer

Assent

Question 13

Which of the following scenarios would require heightened ethical considerations for participant protection?

Accepted Answer

Research involving vulnerable populations

Answer

Research with minimal risk

Answer

Research using online surveys

Question 14

According to the Belmont Report, which of the following is a foundational ethical principle in research?

Accepted Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Avoidance of harm

Answer

Maximize benefits to society

Answer

Confidentiality of data

Question 15

Which of the following actions by a researcher is likely to violate ethical guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Using intentional deception without participant knowledge or consent

Answer

Providing participants with debriefing information after the study

Answer

Offering incentives for participation

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

To provide participants with a full explanation of the study, address any concerns, and answer questions

Answer

To collect additional data from participants

Answer

To thank participants for their involvement

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of ethical misconduct in research?

Accepted Answer

Increased scientific knowledge

Answer

Harm to participants

Answer

Loss of public trust in research

Answer

Retraction of research publications

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

To review and approve research proposals to ensure ethical compliance and protect participant welfare

Answer

To conduct research studies independently

Answer

To provide legal advice to researchers

Question 19

What is the appropriate step to take when potential ethical concerns arise during a research study?

Accepted Answer

Consult with the IRB and/or research ethics committee

Answer

Make unilateral decisions without seeking external guidance

Answer

Ignore the concerns and proceed with the study as planned

Question 20

Which of the following is a fundamental ethical principle in psychological research that ensures participants have agency over their involvement?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Integrity

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Objectivity

Question 21

When seeking informed consent from research participants, researchers must:

Accepted Answer

Provide clear and comprehensive information about the study, including potential risks and benefits.

Answer

Obtain consent only after the participant has signed a waiver.

Answer

Use technical jargon to explain the study procedures.

Question 22

What is the primary purpose of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate and approve research proposals involving human participants, ensuring their ethical and responsible conduct.

Answer

To provide legal counsel to researchers.

Answer

To conduct research studies on human subjects.

Question 23

Which of the following is a potential consequence of violating ethical principles in research?

Accepted Answer

Revocation of funding, loss of research privileges, or legal action.

Answer

Minor fines and a warning.

Answer

Nothing, as long as the research is scientifically valid.

Question 24

Informed consent should be obtained from potential research participants:

Accepted Answer

Prior to their participation in the study.

Answer

After the data collection is completed.

Answer

Only if the participant is over the age of 18.

Answer

Only if the research involves deception.

Question 25

Confidentiality in research entails:

Accepted Answer

Researchers' obligation to protect the privacy of participants, ensuring their data remains confidential.

Answer

Confidentiality is only relevant if the research involves sensitive information.

Answer

Participants' names and personal information must be published in research reports.

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a key consideration in ethical research involving human participants?

Accepted Answer

The researcher's personal opinions and beliefs.

Answer

The researcher's responsibility to protect participants' privacy.

Answer

The potential for harm or discomfort to participants.

Answer

The participant's right to withdraw from the study voluntarily.

Question 27

The Belmont Report is a significant document in research ethics that outlines:

Accepted Answer

Three fundamental ethical principles: respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.

Answer

Guidelines specifically for conducting animal research.

Answer

A comprehensive list of prohibited research methods.

Question 28

An example of a potential ethical dilemma in research is:

Accepted Answer

Recruiting participants from a population that may be considered vulnerable.

Answer

Employing advanced statistical techniques for data analysis.

Answer

Using a large sample size.

Question 29

The primary goal of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in research ethics is to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure that research involving human participants is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner.

Answer

Punish researchers who violate ethical guidelines.

Answer

Approve all research proposals, regardless of ethical concerns.