Posted: February 1st, 2023

Experiment as a Method of Psychological Research and Its Ethical Problems

Experiment as a Method of Psychological Research and Its Ethical Problems
Distinctly, experimental methods in psychological research have been embraced by psychologists over the years. In essence, experiments in psychological research are geared towards the enhancement of human understanding in the psychological traits or characteristics related to humans as species (Haas, Malouf, and Mayerson, 54). As such, for the successful execution of experimental research in psychology, the psychologists involve animal and human subjects in the research.
Indeed, experimental methods in psychological research may adopt three approaches: lab, natural or field experiments. Fundamentally, there are crucial ethical issues that arise from the undertakings of experimental research in psychology based on the matter of protection of the well-being (both physical and psychological) of the animal and human subjects involved (Pope and Vetter 36). In this regard, the American-Psychological-Association (Help write my thesis – APA) offers strict ethical guidelines to the psychologists as a way of ensuring ethical standards are maintained in the course of experimental research.
Undoubtedly, there are three fundamental principles- based on ethics- that psychologists should adhere to in the process of conducting experimental research: respect for people or persons; concern for the well-being or welfare, and justice (Pope and Vetter 24). Essentially, these principles in ethics are focused on limiting incidences of ethical problems that may emerge from the following stakeholders in the experimental research: research participants, society (general), and research community (Sieber and Stanley 49). Therefore, psychologists are mandated to observe respect towards the participants I relation to the matter of autonomy and progressive consent through open and unbiased communication.
In addition, psychologists are required to observe the physical as well as psychological well-being of the subjects through initiatives; such as, protecting the general privacy of the persons involved; provision of sufficient information regarding the risks as well as benefits related to the research; and, limiting exposure to probable risks (Haas, Malouf, and Mayerson, 47). Ultimately, the principle of justice demands that psychologists be mindful and sensitive to the stakeholders involved in the research through equitable and favorable practices. The concerns of vulnerability of particular groups and sensitivity to culture and societal norms should be checked.

Works Cited
Haas, Leonard J., John L. Malouf, and Neal H. Mayerson. “Ethical dilemmas in psychological practice: Results of a national survey.” Professional Psychology: Research and Practice 17.4 (2016): 316.
Pope, Kenneth S., and Valerie A. Vetter. “Ethical dilemmas encountered by members of the American Psychological Association: A national survey.” American Psychologist 47.3 (2012): 397.
Sieber, Joan E., and Barbara Stanley. “Ethical and professional dimensions of socially sensitive research.” American psychologist 43.1 (2016): 49.

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