Before doing any research, work psychologist, according to McGuigan (1989) “should establish a clear and fair agreement with research participants prior to their participation. That agreement should clarify the obligations and responsibilities of each” (p357).
This is especially important taking into account the fact that if the participant won’t be aware of affairs concerning him in the research than it will be the researchers fault.
Another issue is the deception. It should be avoided at any point. If the researcher believes that it’s necessary then the participant must be provided with a thorough explanation as soon as possible. It is important that the participant understands the effect of the research to avoid any sense of unease.
Hugh Coolican (1990) commented Milgram’s (1974) debriefing saying that he “sent a questionnaire to his participants after the study and 84% said they were glad to have participated, whereas only 1% regretted being involved, the remainder reporting neutral feelings. 80% believed more research like Milgram’s should be carried out. 75% found the experience meaningful and self-enlightening” (p242).
The research showed that when debriefing is done correct then it is useful for both the researcher and the participant. It showed that an initial, superficial debriefing dramatically reduces any negative participant evaluation of the research.
Another point that should be remembered is that the participant is free to decline to participate in or to withdraw from the research at any time. The participants shouldn’t feel discomforted and during the research, protection from mental and physical harm should be considered.
Work psychologist is essential to remember that any information obtained about participant is confidential unless agreed (Data Protection Act).
According to S. Heyes “researchers will not reveal details of individuals and their behavior. Participants are never referred to by name in any report or study” (p103).
The participant and researcher should agree on coding sensitive data if others have access to information about the participant.
The American Psychological Association (APA) has agreed guidelines on the ethical issues involved in psychological research which include a set of ethical principles comprising ten major categories, each with several sub-principles. This big set of principles reflects the far wider application of psychology to the general public as consumers in the USA.
Hugh Coolican (1990) described the USA ethical principles by underlining that “psychologists’ respect the dignity and worth of the individual and strive for the preservation and protection of fundamental human rights. They are committed to increasing knowledge of human behaviour and of people’s understanding of themselves and others and to the utilization of such knowledge for the promotion of human welfare’’ (p239)
An interesting example of a research could be seen in one of the most famous TV programs in Russia, which is called “behind the glass”, analog of “the big brother” in UK. Some people were put together in a luxury flat (they were all willing to participate). They were cut off from the outside world and all they had were each other. They were all after a big money reward. Viewers watched after their behaviour, feelings and motions and had to choose which one stays or leaves. The one who is left at the end receives the money reward.
During the show, all the participants had continuous rows, feelings of frustration and depressions but they didn’t want to leave because of the money. It was their only motivator.
The show lasted for half a year and after it ended, some of the participants couldn’t live their normal life. The research affected their lifes.
The research wasn’t successful and participants were put under the subject of risk. It wasn’t ethical which lead to all those results but at the same time, all the participants were volunteers, which meant that they knew what would be the consequences of it.
In order for work psychologist to monitor the behaviour in a right way they must always consider the ethical principles and to what extent they are used. Not knowing them could lead to poor satisfaction, guilt, subject of risk for both the participants and the researcher.
Bibliography.
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Arnold, Cooper and T Robertson (1998). Work psychology, 3rd edition, London: Pitman.
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Coolican, H. (1990) Research methods and statistics in psychology, Hodder & Stoughton Educational, a division of Hodder Headline Plc.
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McGuigan, F.J. (1989) Experimental psychology, 5th edition, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, Prentice-Hall.
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Mullins, L.J. (2002) Management and organizational behavior, 6th edition, Financial Times, Prentice Hall.
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S. Heyes, Starting statistics.
Essay
Work Psychology
Critical Debate Of The Necessity For Ethical Principles To Govern The Activities Of Work Psychologists
By Husseinbey Hussein
March, 2003
