Discussion : Ethics

Despite the fact that social psychological research typically does not have life and death consequences, such research can have an impact on individual health and well-being.

Whether through participation in the study itself or through the implications of research findings, research may have unintended and unethical consequences.

It is therefore incumbent on anyone conducting social psychological research to be familiar with both APA's policies and those of their institution's institutional review board regarding research with human participants.

For this Discussion, review this week's Learning Resources. Think about what ethical considerations you might need to make related to social psychology research.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 a brief explanation of how you might use ethics when forming your research question (use the APA's Code of Conduct to inform your response).

Then explain two potential consequences if ethics are not considered. Finally, explain two ways culture might inform the development of your research question, and explain what ethical considerations you may need to consider.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Read a selection of your colleagues' postings.

Respond by Day 6 to at least one of your colleagues' postings in one or more of the following ways:

Ask a probing question.

Share an insight from having read your colleague's posting.

Offer and support an opinion.

Validate an idea with your own experience.

Make a suggestion.

Expand on your colleague's posting.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.