Research Ethics

Because psychology studies living people and animals, it carries a responsibility to protect participants from harm. Research ethics are the moral principles and professional guidelines that govern how research is conducted, enforced by bodies such as the American Psychological Association and the British Psychological Society and by institutional ethics committees (IRBs) that must approve studies before they begin. Ethical practice is not merely a bureaucratic hurdle; it protects participants' dignity and welfare and maintains public trust in the discipline.

Several core principles guide research with human participants. Informed consent requires that participants agree to take part after being told enough about the study to make a genuine decision, including its aims, procedures, and the