Glossary
Anonymity and Confidentiality
Ethical principles ensuring that participants' identities and data are kept private, either by not collecting identifying information (anonymity) or by protecting it from unauthorized access (confidentiality).
Example:
When collecting survey responses about sensitive topics, researchers ensure anonymity and confidentiality by not asking for names and storing data securely.
Coercion
The act of pressuring or forcing participants to take part in a study, which is an unethical practice as participation must always be voluntary.
Example:
Offering a large sum of money to low-income individuals to participate in a risky medical trial could be considered coercion, as it might unduly influence their decision.
Debriefing
The process of fully explaining the true purpose and procedures of a study to participants after their involvement, especially if deception was used.
Example:
After a study involving a hidden camera, the researcher conducted a thorough debriefing session, explaining why the camera was necessary and answering all participant questions.
Deception
A research technique where participants are intentionally misled or not fully informed about the true purpose of a study to prevent bias, but only if necessary, harmless, and followed by debriefing.
Example:
A study on altruism might use deception by staging a fake emergency to see if participants help, without revealing the true nature of the situation beforehand.
Harry Harlow's Monkey Experiment
A series of experiments by Harry Harlow that studied attachment in rhesus monkeys, demonstrating the importance of comfort and contact over mere nourishment.
Example:
The ethical concerns of Harry Harlow's Monkey Experiment arose from the severe psychological distress inflicted on the infant monkeys, who were deprived of maternal contact.
Informed Consent
Participants must willingly agree to participate in a study after being fully informed about its purpose, procedures, and potential risks.
Example:
Before starting a sleep study, researchers must obtain informed consent from participants, explaining the duration, potential discomforts, and their right to withdraw at any time.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
A committee that reviews research proposals involving animal subjects to ensure humane treatment and ethical practices in animal research.
Example:
Any study involving rats in a maze for behavioral research must first be approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to ensure the animals' well-being.
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
A committee that reviews research proposals involving human participants to ensure they comply with ethical guidelines and protect participant rights.
Example:
Before conducting a new psychological experiment at a university, the researchers must submit their plan to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for approval.
Milgram Experiment
A controversial psychology experiment conducted by Stanley Milgram that investigated obedience to authority, where participants were led to believe they were administering electric shocks to a 'learner'.
Example:
The Milgram Experiment highlighted the powerful influence of authority figures, as many participants continued to 'shock' the learner despite their own moral discomfort.
Protection from Harm or Discomfort
An ethical principle requiring researchers to minimize any potential physical or psychological harm, including emotional distress or embarrassment, to participants.
Example:
A study on anxiety should ensure protection from harm or discomfort by providing a safe environment and offering counseling resources if participants become overly distressed.