Ethical Issues in Psychological Research: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

Question 1

In ethical psychological research, informed consent is crucial because it:

Accepted Answer

Protects participants' rights and interests.

Answer

Ensures the researcher's reputation.

Answer

Simplifies the research process.

Question 2

A particle moves in a straight line with a constant velocity. What is the work done on the particle?

Accepted Answer

Zero work is done on the particle.

Answer

Positive work is done on the particle.

Answer

Negative work is done on the particle.

Answer

Work done on the particle is non-zero.

Question 3

A rigid body rotates around a fixed axis with constant angular velocity. Which statement accurately describes the angular momentum of the body?

Accepted Answer

Remains constant in both magnitude and direction

Answer

Increases in magnitude

Answer

Decreases in magnitude

Answer

Is zero

Question 4

In psychological research, which action upholds the ethical principle of informed consent, ensuring participants' autonomy and decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Providing participants with a clear explanation of the study before they consent.

Answer

Obtaining written consent after participants complete the study.

Question 5

In psychological research, informed consent refers to:

Accepted Answer

Providing participants with details about the study, including its purpose, methods, and potential risks and benefits.

Answer

Having participants sign a consent form without giving them any information about the study.

Answer

Getting consent from participants after the study is finished.

Answer

Pressuring participants to take part in the study.

Question 6

Which of the following is a key ethical responsibility of researchers in promoting diversity and inclusion in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring that research samples represent the diverse populations they study.

Answer

Recruiting only participants from marginalized groups.

Answer

Focusing solely on research topics that affect minority groups.

Answer

Avoiding collaborations with researchers from different cultural backgrounds.

Question 7

When evaluating the ethical implications of a research study, what should be the primary consideration?

Accepted Answer

Potential risks and benefits to participants

Answer

Researcher's personal beliefs

Answer

Availability of funding

Answer

Likelihood of publication

Question 8

Question:

What is the Nuremberg Code's main purpose?

Accepted Answer

To establish the ethical principle of informed consent

Answer

To provide guidelines for animal research

Answer

To prohibit deception in psychological research

Question 9

In cross-cultural psychological research, which strategy is most effective in enhancing the validity and reducing cultural bias in findings?

Accepted Answer

Collaborate with researchers from the target culture to ensure cultural sensitivity.

Answer

Exclude participants from cultures that differ significantly from the researcher's own.

Answer

Translate research materials directly without considering cultural context.

Answer

Assume that all participants will respond in the same way, regardless of cultural differences.

Question 10

In psychological research involving children, which ethical considerations are crucial to safeguard their well-being and protection?

Accepted Answer

Obtain informed consent from the child's parents or legal guardians.

Accepted Answer

Avoid deceptive practices and minimize potential harm to the child.

Accepted Answer

Ensure the potential benefits of the research outweigh any potential risks to the child.

Answer

Assume that children under 18 can provide informed consent independently.

Question 11

Which of the fundamental ethical principles in psychological research emphasizes respecting individuals' right to make decisions about their participation?

Accepted Answer

Respect for participant autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 12

According to the Belmont Report, which ethical principles are essential in human research?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence, justice, and respect for persons

Answer

Autonomy, beneficence, and confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent, non-maleficence, and beneficence

Answer

Justice, confidentiality, and non-maleficence

Question 13

The ethical principle of beneficence requires that researchers:

Accepted Answer

Both of the above

Answer

Maximize the benefits of research

Answer

Minimize the risks of research

Answer

Neither of the above

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a strategy for minimizing bias in research?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring outliers

Answer

Using random sampling

Answer

Controlling for confounding variables

Answer

Using objective measures

Question 15

When conducting research using social media data, which ethical consideration is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent and ensuring participant confidentiality

Answer

Ensuring data analysis accuracy and generalizability

Answer

Managing participant recruitment and data storage effectively

Answer

Addressing researcher biases and interpreting data responsibly

Question 16

Revised: The principles of beneficence, justice, and respect for persons were established in which ethical framework for human subjects research?

Accepted Answer

Revised: Belmont Report

Answer

Revised: Nuremberg Code

Answer

Revised: Declaration of Helsinki

Answer

Revised: Common Rule

Question 17

Revised: What is the primary purpose of obtaining informed consent from research participants?

Accepted Answer

Revised: To ensure their full understanding of the research procedures and potential risks and benefits

Answer

Revised: To protect researchers from legal liability

Answer

Revised: To satisfy institutional review board requirements

Answer

Revised: To guarantee their participation in the research

Question 18

Revised: Which of the following is NOT a type of deception that may be ethically employed in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Revised: Coercion

Answer

Revised: Omission

Answer

Revised: Misrepresentation

Answer

Revised: Placebos

Question 19

Why is cultural competence essential in psychological research? How can researchers ensure their studies are inclusive, respectful, and beneficial to people from various cultural backgrounds?

Accepted Answer

Cultural competence allows researchers to understand cultural differences and adjust their research methods accordingly.

Answer

Cultural competence requires researchers to ignore cultural differences and focus only on universal psychological principles.

Answer

Cultural competence is only necessary for research conducted in non-Western cultures.

Answer

Cultural competence is not an ethical obligation in psychological research.

Question 20

Improved: Which ethical principle in psychological research ensures participants fully comprehend the study's details and their involvement?

Accepted Answer

Improved: Informed consent (participants' voluntary agreement after understanding the study)

Answer

Improved: Confidentiality (ensuring privacy of participant information)

Answer

Objectivity (avoiding personal biases in research)

Answer

Replication (repeating studies to verify findings)

Question 21

Improved: Which researcher action would violate confidentiality in research?

Accepted Answer

Improved: Sharing participant information without their explicit consent.

Answer

Maintaining confidential research data in a secure location.

Answer

Recommending participants to external resources for assistance.

Answer

Using research data solely for the intended study purpose.

Question 22

Improved: The process of providing study information, answering queries, and obtaining voluntary participation from individuals is known as:

Accepted Answer

Improved: Informed consent (obtaining agreement based on understanding).

Answer

Debriefing (providing information after the study).

Answer

Confidentiality (protecting participant privacy).

Answer

Recruitment (attracting potential participants)

Question 23

Improved: Which is NOT an advantage of adhering to ethical research practices?

Accepted Answer

Improved: Personal gain for the researcher.

Answer

Improved: Protection of participants' rights and well-being.

Answer

Enhanced research quality and credibility.

Answer

Increased public trust in research.

Question 24

Improved: The principle of beneficence in research ethics requires researchers to:

Accepted Answer

Improved: Maximize potential benefits while minimizing potential risks to participants.

Answer

Obtain informed consent from participants.

Answer

Ensure methodological rigor in research design.

Answer

Disseminate research findings responsibly.

Question 25

Which approach is ineffective in mitigating power imbalances between researchers and participants?

Accepted Answer

Using deceptive research methods

Answer

Encouraging participants to collaborate as co-researchers

Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants

Question 26

Researchers have an ethical responsibility to handle research results with integrity. Which of the following actions demonstrates this responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Accurately reporting the data, acknowledging limitations and potential biases

Answer

Highlighting only the most positive aspects of the findings, even if they are not statistically significant

Answer

Withholding research findings from participants unless they explicitly request them

Answer

Modifying the data to support their hypothesized outcomes

Question 27

In psychological research, what is the most crucial aspect of protecting data privacy and security?

Accepted Answer

Preventing unauthorized access to research participants' data

Answer

Following proper procedures for data collection and analysis

Answer

Adhering to legal regulations for data storage

Answer

Minimizing bias in research findings

Question 28

When using social media data in psychological research, which ethical concerns require special attention?

Accepted Answer

Privacy, informed consent, and potential bias/misrepresentation

Answer

Confidentiality, anonymity, and plagiarism

Answer

IRB approval, informed consent, and conflict of interest

Answer

Data security, copyright, and research misconduct

Question 29

Which ethical principle emphasizes respect for individuals' rights to make informed decisions about their participation in research?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy and informed consent

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 30

Which action is a violation of confidentiality in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing participants' names to external researchers without consent

Answer

Storing research data securely

Answer

Seeking consent to use participants' data

Answer

Publishing research findings without participants' authorization

Question 31

What is the primary responsibility of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Safeguarding the rights and well-being of humans participating in research

Answer

Designing research protocols

Answer

Analyzing research data

Answer

Enrolling participants in studies

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of adhering to ethical research practices?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing financial gains

Answer

Enhanced credibility of research findings

Answer

Protection of participants' rights

Answer

Increased public trust in research

Question 33

What is the main role of ethical review boards (ERBs) in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing research plans to ensure they follow ethical guidelines

Answer

Monitoring research projects to make sure they meet ethical standards

Answer

Looking into claims of research misconduct and taking action if needed

Answer

Giving researchers legal advice on ethical issues in their research

Question 34

In research involving marginalized communities, which ethical consideration is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Respecting cultural norms and values

Answer

Seeking informed consent only from community leaders

Answer

Ignoring potential power imbalances

Question 35

What is the primary goal of the Declaration of Helsinki?

Accepted Answer

To establish ethical guidelines for research involving human participants

Answer

To ensure the protection of researchers

Answer

To regulate the utilization of animals in research

Answer

To enhance collaboration in psychological research globally

Question 36

In cross-cultural psychological research, it's crucial to:

Accepted Answer

Recognize cultural variations and adjust research methods accordingly.

Answer

Overlook cultural differences and prioritize universal principles.

Answer

Assume findings from one culture apply to all cultures.

Answer

Ignore ethical considerations that may arise from cultural differences.

Question 37

Which of the following is a cornerstone ethical principle guiding psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Fair compensation for participants

Answer

Timely publication of results

Answer

Concealment of researcher's identity

Question 38

According to ethical guidelines, researchers have an obligation to:

Accepted Answer

Protect participants from potential physical and psychological harm

Answer

Ensure complete anonymity in all research studies

Answer

Obtain informed consent only when dealing with sensitive data

Question 39

Confidentiality in research entails:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the privacy and protection of participants' data

Answer

Sharing participants' names with other researchers without obtaining consent

Answer

Disclosing participants' information in public presentations without their knowledge

Answer

Using participants' data in ways they have not consented to

Question 40

Which of the following may result from violating ethical guidelines in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Retraction of published research, loss of research funding, and damage to reputation

Answer

Increased participant satisfaction

Answer

Enhanced research productivity

Question 41

The Nuremberg Code established ethical principles for:

Accepted Answer

Research involving human subjects

Answer

Social surveys

Answer

Educational interventions

Answer

Animal studies

Question 42

Which of the following presents a potential ethical concern in research involving children?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from parents/guardians might not fully protect children's autonomy

Answer

Research with children always carries the risk of psychological harm

Answer

Children are more likely to participate willingly than adults

Question 43

The Belmont Report outlined three ethical principles in research:

Accepted Answer

Respect for persons, beneficence, and justice

Answer

Anonymity, privacy, and deception

Answer

Objectivity, validity, and reliability

Answer

Informed consent, confidentiality, and scientific rigor

Question 44

The primary objective of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in psychological research is to:

Accepted Answer

Review and approve research protocols to ensure they comply with ethical guidelines.

Answer

Disseminate research findings in academic journals.

Answer

Oversee the recruitment of research participants.

Question 45

Which ethical principle emphasizes the need to obtain informed consent from research participants?

Accepted Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Justice

Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Beneficence

Question 46

What is the main purpose of a debriefing session in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To inform participants about the study's true nature and any possible risks encountered.

Answer

To offer compensation for research participation.

Answer

To obtain research participant consent.

Question 47

The Belmont Report is primarily concerned with:

Accepted Answer

Establishing ethical principles for conducting human subjects research in the United States.

Answer

Outlining ethical conduct for psychologists.

Answer

Providing guidelines for animal research.

Question 48

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

Accepted Answer

Review and approve research proposals to ensure alignment with ethical guidelines.

Answer

Conduct research on ethical issues in psychology.

Answer

Provide training on ethical research practices.

Question 49

Which ethical principle requires researchers to uphold objectivity and minimize bias in their research?

Accepted Answer

Scientific integrity

Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 50

Which strategy effectively minimizes potential bias in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Employing random sampling and concealing the study hypothesis from participants.

Answer

Research based on a limited sample size.

Answer

Reliance on self-reported data.

Question 51

The ethical obligation of researchers to report accurate and comprehensive research findings falls under which principle?

Accepted Answer

Scientific integrity

Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 52

When conducting research with human participants, what is the MOST important ethical consideration?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants before beginning the study

Answer

Getting approval from the manufacturer of any drugs or devices used in the study

Answer

Publishing the research findings in a peer-reviewed journal

Answer

Securing a grant from a funding agency

Question 53

A psychologist is conducting research on a new treatment for depression. During the study, the psychologist becomes aware that one of the participants is experiencing suicidal thoughts. What is the psychologist's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

To break confidentiality and take appropriate steps to ensure the participant's safety.

Answer

To encourage the participant to seek help from a mental health professional, but to maintain confidentiality.

Answer

To continue with the study as planned, as the participant's safety is not the researcher's responsibility.

Question 54

What is the primary purpose of debriefing participants after a research study?

Accepted Answer

To provide participants with information about the purpose of the study, disclose any deception used, and address any questions or concerns they may have.

Answer

To collect additional data from participants.

Question 55

Which organization is responsible for reviewing and approving research proposals to ensure the ethical treatment of human subjects?

Accepted Answer

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Answer

American Psychological Association (APA)

Answer

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Answer

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Question 56

Which of the following is NOT considered a vulnerable population in research?

Accepted Answer

Adults with full decision-making capacity

Answer

Children

Answer

Prisoners

Answer

Individuals with cognitive impairments

Question 57

What constitutes plagiarism in academic research?

Accepted Answer

Copying and presenting someone else's work as your own, without proper citation or attribution.

Answer

Presenting your own original ideas.

Answer

Citing sources correctly using an accepted style guide like APA.

Question 58

What is a key ethical consideration in the use of animals in research?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the humane treatment and care of animals used in research.

Answer

Using animals only in research that has the potential to benefit human health.

Answer

Protecting the confidentiality of animals.

Answer

Obtaining informed consent from animals.

Question 59

Which of the following is a key ethical principle in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Protection of human subjects

Answer

Advancing theoretical knowledge

Answer

Maximizing research efficiency

Answer

Ensuring scientific accuracy

Question 60

What does informed consent involve?

Accepted Answer

Providing participants with sufficient information about the study before they agree to participate

Answer

Ensuring that participants are financially compensated for their participation

Answer

Protecting participants from any potential harm

Question 61

What does the Belmont Report emphasize as a key ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Economic feasibility

Answer

Scientific validity

Answer

Social value

Question 62

Which of the following is a responsibility of researchers in conducting ethical research?

Accepted Answer

Adhering to ethical guidelines and professional standards

Answer

Prioritizing personal beliefs and values

Answer

Ignoring potential risks to participants

Question 63

What is the purpose of an institutional review board (IRB)?

Accepted Answer

To review and approve research proposals to ensure they meet ethical standards

Answer

To train researchers on ethical conduct

Answer

To conduct research on human subjects

Question 64

Which of the following is the primary ethical principle governing psychological research involving human participants?

Accepted Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Minimize harm

Answer

Maximize benefits

Answer

Respect for privacy