Question

two major ethical concerns of research, deception and differential distribution of benefits. Explain these concerns and what should be done to address these by researchers as they attempt to maximize internal validity.

Answer 1

• Deception can range from relatively minor omissions, such as not telling people the full story of what you are doing, to outright falsehood about your identity and the nature of the study. To deceive is to deliberately mislead others. The issue is most relevant in experimentation where personal knowledge of the purposes might change people's behavior.
• There are a number of problems with using deception. Even when debriefed afterward, some participants may become angry and wonder whether the researcher is simply practicing a further deception. Often participants figure out what is really going on, even though the researcher attempts to hide the true purpose of the study.
• Deception may have a negative effect on the participants' attitudes toward behavioral research. People dislike being lied to and research subjects are no exception. Finally, there is the negative effect on the researcher when forced to lie to other people It can produce cynicism and distance from the people being studied.
• Deception can cause the experimental group to act in hurtful or destructive ways. ex. Milgram's obedience paradigm.
• Researchers should avoid deception as much as possible. For that,participant observation could be used.
• Minimize Negative Effects-Experiments that can cause harm should be monitered throughout. It is very important that we keep the stress level of the expiramental group to a moderate level to avoid problems. It is also important for the psychologist to step in at the end and acknowledge the experiment.
• Develop New Techniques-It is important to analyze and discover ways to experiment while focusing on things that incite positive emotions. This will reduce the level of deception.
• Differential distribution of benefits-The principle of justice holds that particular individuals, groups or communities should neither bear an unfair share of the direct burdens of participating in research, nor should they be unfairly excluded from the potential benefits of research participation.
• Researchers should consider ways to ensure the equitable distribution of any benefits of participation in research.They should also be sensitive to the expectations and opinions of participants regarding potential benefits of the research. Prior to the commencement of the research, researchers should formally or informally discuss these expectations with individuals and/or groups, and outline the scope and nature of potential benefits that may accrue to participants during and after the research