Research Ethics in Social Sciences and Psychology: A Comprehensive Guide

Question 1

Which of the following is a core principle of research ethics, as established in the Belmont Report?

Accepted Answer

Respect for individuals

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Anonymity of participants

Question 2

Which ethical principles should guide the management and sharing of research data to ensure both transparency and participant privacy?

Accepted Answer

Participant consent must be obtained before sharing any research data.

Answer

Unrestricted data sharing is always ethical to promote transparency.

Answer

Researchers have the right to keep their data private.

Answer

De-identified data can be shared without ethical concerns.

Question 3

In research ethics, which principle ensures that participants have the right to make voluntary and informed decisions about their participation in research?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 4

Which ethical guideline mandates researchers to protect the privacy and anonymity of research participants by keeping their data confidential?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Integrity

Question 5

Which ethical concern arises when researchers use research data for purposes other than those originally agreed upon with participants, potentially breaching their trust?

Accepted Answer

Misuse of data

Answer

Conflict of interest

Answer

Fabricated results

Answer

Plagiarism

Question 6

Which ethical principle requires researchers to strive to minimize potential harm and maximize potential benefits for research participants?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Justice

Question 7

Which ethical consideration involves addressing potential biases and conflicts of interest that may influence research design, conduct, or interpretation to ensure impartial and trustworthy findings?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Generalizability

Answer

Transparency

Answer

Replication

Question 8

Which ethical principle promotes fairness and equitable distribution of research benefits and burdens across different groups to prevent discrimination or exploitation?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Question 9

Which ethical consideration involves implementing well-designed, valid, and reliable research procedures to ensure the quality, accuracy, and trustworthiness of the research findings?

Accepted Answer

Methodological rigor

Answer

Reliability

Answer

Generalizability

Answer

Validity

Question 10

Which ethical principle requires researchers to obtain consent from participants before conducting research, ensuring their understanding and voluntary agreement?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Question 11

Confidentiality in research ethics primarily involves:

Accepted Answer

Protecting the privacy of participants and ensuring the secure handling of their personal information.

Answer

Prioritizing the safety and well-being of participants.

Answer

Guaranteeing equal treatment and benefits for all participants.

Question 12

Which group is typically considered a vulnerable population in research, requiring additional safeguards and considerations?

Accepted Answer

Children, elderly individuals, or individuals with disabilities.

Answer

Healthy adults without any vulnerabilities.

Answer

Participants with high socioeconomic status.

Question 13

The primary responsibility of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to:

Accepted Answer

Review and approve research proposals, ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines and protection of participants.

Answer

Conduct independent research studies on ethical issues.

Answer

Provide legal advice and support to researchers.

Question 14

The principle of beneficence in research ethics emphasizes the researcher's obligation to:

Accepted Answer

Maximize benefits and minimize potential harm to participants.

Answer

Protect the privacy and confidentiality of participants.

Answer

Ensure fairness and equity in the distribution of research benefits.

Question 15

A potential ethical concern associated with the use of deception in research is:

Accepted Answer

Undermining trust in researchers and potentially jeopardizing the research process.

Answer

Providing participants with valuable information or insights.

Answer

Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of research findings.

Question 16

Ethical guidelines in research primarily serve the purpose of:

Accepted Answer

Guiding researchers' conduct, protecting participants' rights, and ensuring responsible research practices.

Answer

Securing funding and support for research projects.

Answer

Promoting scientific innovation and discovery.

Question 17

Which scenario represents a potential conflict of interest in research?

Accepted Answer

A researcher having a financial stake in the outcome of the research, potentially influencing the design or interpretation of findings.

Answer

A researcher having a close friendship with a participant in the study.

Answer

A researcher holding a strong personal belief in the research hypothesis.

Question 18

Promoting ethical research practices is crucial because it:

Accepted Answer

Protects participants, maintains public trust in research, and ensures the credibility of research findings.

Answer

Increases research funding opportunities.

Answer

Enhances the reputation and prestige of researchers.

Question 19

Which fundamental principle of research ethics prioritizes protecting the rights and autonomy of research participants?

Accepted Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Pursuit of knowledge

Answer

Institutional reputation

Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Question 20

Informed consent in research requires researchers to:

Accepted Answer

Provide participants with comprehensive information about the study before they agree to participate.

Answer

Secure a signed consent form.

Answer

Obtain verbal permission from participants.

Question 21

Which of the following is a potential risk to participants in research?

Accepted Answer

Psychological distress

Answer

Improved health

Answer

Increased knowledge

Answer

Financial gain

Question 22

The primary purpose of research ethics is to:

Accepted Answer

Safeguard the rights and well-being of participants and uphold the integrity of research findings.

Answer

Regulate the conduct of researchers.

Answer

Promote scientific advancement at all costs.

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of researchers?

Accepted Answer

Exploiting participants for personal gain.

Answer

Minimizing risks to participants.

Answer

Respecting participants' decisions.

Answer

Reporting findings accurately.

Question 24

Confidentiality in research involves:

Accepted Answer

Protecting the privacy and anonymity of participants' data and identities.

Answer

Storing research data securely.

Answer

Disclosing participants' information to the public.

Question 25

Which of the following actions exemplifies plagiarism in research?

Accepted Answer

Using someone else's ideas or data without proper citation.

Answer

Conducting research independently.

Answer

Making minor modifications to existing research.

Question 26

What is the primary role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in research?

Accepted Answer

To review and approve research proposals to ensure ethical compliance.

Answer

To conduct research on behalf of researchers.

Answer

To investigate and penalize researchers who violate ethical guidelines.

Question 27

Which of the following is a potential bias that can affect research results?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Reliability

Answer

Generalizability

Question 28

What is the overarching significance of adhering to ethical standards in research?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard participants, uphold research integrity, and advance knowledge responsibly.

Answer

To gain recognition in the research community.

Answer

To avoid legal repercussions.

Question 29

Which principle of research ethics ensures individuals freely participate in research after comprehending its objectives, potential risks, and benefits?

Accepted Answer

Informed Consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 30

A researcher gathered data through deception without participants' knowledge. Which ethical principle was violated?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Persons

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 31

Which of the following is not a key component of informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Coercion

Answer

Voluntary participation

Answer

Disclosure of information

Answer

Capacity to understand

Question 32

In qualitative research, ensuring participant privacy is paramount. Which method helps maintain confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Anonymization

Answer

Data Collection Triangulation

Answer

Informed Consent

Question 33

Which ethical principle requires researchers to treat all participants with respect and fairness, regardless of group affiliation or personal attributes?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 34

Which ethical principle mandates researchers to avoid causing physical or psychological harm?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Respect for Persons

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 35

A researcher considers using deception in their study. Which is not an acceptable justification for using deception?

Accepted Answer

Deception intended to safeguard participants.

Answer

Deception will not cause harm to participants.

Answer

Deception essential to the research question.

Question 36

Which of the following is a key principle of informed consent in research?

Accepted Answer

Participants must comprehend and understand the potential risks and benefits before同意参与.

Answer

Informed consent is not required in observational studies.

Answer

Researchers can waive informed consent if the study poses minimal risk.

Question 37

What is the primary purpose of maintaining confidentiality in research?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard participants from potential harm, distress, or stigma.

Answer

To comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

Answer

To ensure the accuracy and validity of research findings.

Question 38

What is the role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in research ethics?

Accepted Answer

To review and evaluate research protocols involving human participants.

Answer

To conduct ethical research on behalf of researchers.

Answer

To enforce legal compliance in research.

Question 39

What is the concept of beneficence in research ethics?

Accepted Answer

The obligation to maximize benefits and minimize harms to participants.

Answer

The duty to respect participants' privacy.

Answer

The requirement to treat all participants fairly.

Question 40

Which of the following best describes the ethical principle of non-maleficence?

Accepted Answer

Do no harm.

Answer

Respect for autonomy.

Answer

Justice.

Question 41

What is the ethical challenge of balancing the need for privacy with the need to disseminate research findings?

Accepted Answer

Researchers must carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of disclosure and anonymization.

Answer

Researchers should not disclose any information that could identify participants.

Answer

Privacy must always prevail over the need for dissemination.

Question 42

Which of the following is an example of cultural sensitivity in research?

Accepted Answer

Adapting research methods and instruments to the cultural context of participants.

Answer

Assuming that all participants have the same cultural values.

Answer

Ignoring cultural differences to ensure objectivity.

Question 43

What is the primary ethical responsibility of researchers in conducting research?

Accepted Answer

To protect the rights and well-being of participants.

Answer

To follow all relevant laws and regulations.

Answer

To produce unbiased and accurate findings.

Question 44

Informed consent is a key ethical principle in research that requires:

Accepted Answer

Participants must fully comprehend the study's purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits.

Answer

Researchers can obtain consent verbally or in writing.

Answer

Informed consent can be waived if the study poses minimal risk.

Question 45

The primary purpose of a confidentiality agreement in research is to:

Accepted Answer

Safeguard the privacy and protect the anonymity of participants.

Answer

Ensure the secure storage and handling of data.

Answer

Establish clear ownership of research data.

Question 46

An individual who is not considered part of a vulnerable population in research is:

Accepted Answer

A healthy adult without any known vulnerabilities.

Answer

A person with a disability.

Answer

A prisoner.

Answer

A minor.

Question 47

The primary responsibility of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to:

Accepted Answer

Review and approve research protocols involving human participants, ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines.

Answer

Conduct research studies on behalf of researchers.

Answer

Enforce research regulations and investigate misconduct.

Question 48

A significant ethical concern when using deception in research is the potential for:

Accepted Answer

Participants experiencing psychological distress or harm if they discover the true nature of the study.

Answer

Increased validity and generalizability of research findings.

Answer

Participants always providing consent to be deceived.

Question 49

The Belmont Report is recognized as:

Accepted Answer

A cornerstone document outlining ethical principles for research involving human subjects.

Answer

A legal framework governing research misconduct.

Answer

A guide for writing informed consent documents.

Question 50

Plagiarism in research involves:

Accepted Answer

Presenting someone else's ideas or words as one's own without proper attribution.

Answer

Citing sources correctly but lacking comprehension of the material.

Answer

Making minor modifications to the work of others.

Question 51

A primary objective of research ethics training is to:

Accepted Answer

Equip researchers with the knowledge and skills to conduct ethical and responsible research.

Answer

Accelerate the pace of scientific discovery.

Answer

Prepare researchers to defend against legal challenges.

Question 52

Researchers have an ethical responsibility to:

Accepted Answer

Uphold the rights, dignity, and well-being of research participants.

Answer

Publish their findings regardless of the outcomes.

Answer

Seek IRB approval only when strictly required.

Question 53

The distinction between research misconduct and ethical violations lies in:

Accepted Answer

Research misconduct involves intentional wrongdoing, while ethical violations may result from unintentional errors or omissions.

Answer

Ethical violations are more severe than research misconduct.

Answer

Research misconduct is limited to fabrication or falsification of data.