RESEARCH WITH HUMAN PARTICIPANTS
The decision to undertake research rests upon a
considered judgment by the individual psychologist about how best to contribute
to psychological science and human welfare.
Having made the decision to conduct research, the psychologist considers
alternative directions in which research energies and resources might be
invested. On the basis of the this
consideration, the psychologist carries out the investigation with respect and
concern for the dignity and welfare of the people who participate and with
cognizance of federal and state regulations and professional standards governing
the conduct of research with human participants.
- In
planning a study, the investigator has the responsibility to make a careful
evaluation of its ethical acceptability.
To the extent that the weighing of scientific and human values
suggests a compromise of any principle, the investigator incurs a
correspondingly serious obligation to seek ethical advice and to observe
stringent safeguards to protect the rights of human participants.
- Considering
whether a participant in a planned study will be a “subject at risk” or
a “subject at minimal risk”, according to recognized standards, is of
primary ethical concern to the investigator.
- The
investigator always retains the responsibility for ensuring ethical practice
in research. The
investigator is also responsible for the ethical treatment of research
participants by collaborators, assistants, students, and employees, all of
whom, however, incur similar obligations.
- Except
in minimal-risk research, the investigator establishes a clear and fair
agreement with research participants, prior to their participation, that
clarifies the obligations and responsibilities of each.
The investigator has the obligation to honor all promises and
commitments included in that agreement.
The investigator informs the participants of all aspects of the
research that might reasonably be expected to influence willingness to
participate and explains all other aspects of the research about which the
participants inquire. Failure
to make full disclosure prior to obtaining informed consent requires
additional safeguards to protect the welfare and dignity of the research
participants. Research with
children or with participants who have impairments that would limit
understanding and/or communications requires special safeguarding
procedures.
- Methodological
requirements of a study may make the use of concealment or deception
necessary. Before conducting
such a study, the investigator has a special responsibility to (i) determine
whether the use of such techniques is justified by the study’s prospective
scientific, educational, or applied value; (ii) determine whether
alternative procedures are available that do not use concealment or
deception; and (iii) ensure that the participants are provided with
sufficient explanation as soon as possible.
- The
investigator respects the individual’s freedom to decline to participate
in or to withdraw from the research at any time.
The obligation to protect this freedom requires careful thought and
consideration when the investigator is in a position of authority or
influence over the participant. Such
positions of authority include, but are not limited to, situations in which
research participation is required as part of employment or in which the
participant is a student, client, or employee of the investigator.
- The
investigator protects the participant from physical and mental discomfort,
harm, and danger that may arise from research procedures. If risks of such consequences exist, the investigator
informs the participant of that fact. Research
procedures likely to cause serious or lasting harm to a participant are not
used unless the failure to use these procedures might expose the
participants to risk of greater harm, or unless the research has great
potential benefit and fully informed and voluntary consent is obtained from
each participant. The
participant should be informed of procedures for contacting the investigator
within a reasonable time period following participations should stress,
potential harm, or related questions or concerns arise.
- After
the data are collected, the investigator provides the participant with
information about the nature of the study and attempts to remove any
misconceptions that may have arisen. Where
scientific or humane values justify delaying withholding this information,
the investigator incurs a special responsibility to monitor the research and
to ensure that there are no damaging consequences for the participant.
- Where
research procedures result in undesirable consequences for the individual
participant, the investigator has the responsibility to detect and remove or
correct these consequences, including long-term effects.
- Information
obtained about a research participant during the course of an investigation
is confidential unless otherwise agreed upon in advance.
When the possibility, together with the plans for protecting
confidentiality, is explained to the participant as part of the procedure
for obtaining informed consent.
CARE AND USE OF ANIMALS
An investigator of animal behavior strives to advance
understanding of basic behavioral principles and/or to contribute to the
improvement of human health and welfare. In
seeking these ends, the investigator ensures the welfare of animals and treats
them humanely. Laws and regulations
notwithstanding, an animal’s immediate protection depends upon the
scientist’s own conscience.
- The
acquisition, care, use, and disposal of all animals are in compliance with
current federal, state or provincial, and local laws and regulations.
- A
psychologist trained in research methods and experienced in the care of
laboratory animals closely supervises all procedures involving animals and
is responsible for ensuring appropriate consideration of the comfort,
health, and humane treatment.
- Psychologists
ensure that all individuals using animals under their supervision have
received explicit instruction in experimental methods and in the care,
maintenance, and handling of the species being used.
Responsibilities and activities of individuals participating in a
research project are consistent with their respective competencies.
- Psychologists
make every effort to minimize discomfort, illness, and pain of animals.
A procedure subjecting animals to pain, stress, or privation is used
only when an alternative procedure is unavailable and the goal is justified
by its prospective scientific, educational, or applied value.
Surgical procedures are performed under appropriate anesthesia;
techniques to avoid infection and minimize pain are followed during and
after surgery.
- When
it is appropriate that the animal’s life be terminated, it is done rapidly
and painlessly.
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