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10 Dec 2025
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Ethical Issues in A-Level Psychology Research Methods
Zofia
@zofia_577
1 / 5
Informed Consent and Its Alternatives
Informed consent is like getting all the details before signing a contract - participants need to know exactly what they're agreeing to. This means researchers must explain the study's aims, procedures, and how the data will be used before anyone takes part.
For anyone under 16, it gets a bit more complicated because parents and teachers also need to give permission. Think of it as needing multiple signatures for something important.
Sometimes telling participants everything upfront can ruin the study because people might act differently if they know what's being tested. Researchers have clever workarounds like presumptive consent (asking similar people if they'd be okay with it) or retrospective consent (explaining everything afterwards and asking if their data can still be used).
Quick Tip: Remember that proper informed consent means no surprises - participants should never feel tricked or pressured into taking part.
Deception in Research
Deception happens when researchers deliberately mislead participants or leave out important information. Whilst this sounds dodgy, it's sometimes necessary to prevent people from acting unnaturally during experiments.
The key rule is that any deception must be justified - it should reduce demand characteristics without causing unwanted stress. It's a bit like a white lie that serves a greater purpose.
When deception is used, researchers must be extra careful during debriefing. They need to explain the real aims, reveal what other groups did differently, and reassure participants that their behaviour was completely normal.
Remember: If participants feel embarrassed or self-conscious after learning about the deception, researchers must provide support and even counselling if needed.
Protecting Participants from Harm
The golden rule is simple: research shouldn't be riskier than everyday life. Participants shouldn't face embarrassment, stress, or feel inadequate because of the study procedures.
Researchers must ensure procedures are safe and that participants know they can withdraw at any time. If someone seems distressed, the researcher should stop the study immediately - even if the participant hasn't asked to quit.
After the study, researchers conduct a thorough debrief to check if anyone experienced harm. Think of it as a post-study health check to make sure everyone's okay.
Key Point: The researcher's job isn't just to collect data - they're responsible for participants' wellbeing throughout the entire process.
Confidentiality, Privacy and Right to Withdraw
Under the Data Protection Act, participants' personal information must be kept confidential unless they've agreed otherwise. This means no names, institutions, or specific locations should appear in research reports.
Privacy is about giving participants control over their information. Researchers typically use "Participant 1, 2, 3" or initials instead of real names. Personal details often aren't recorded at all to maintain anonymity.
The right to withdraw is crucial - participants can quit at any point, even after the study ends. They can tell researchers not to use their data if they change their minds later.
Important: For under-16s, parents and guardians also need to know about withdrawal rights, giving young participants extra protection.
Debriefing - Leaving Participants as You Found Them
Debriefing serves three essential functions: completing participants' understanding, checking for negative effects, and finding out if anything went wrong during the study.
The goal is simple but important - participants should leave feeling exactly the same as when they arrived. No confusion, stress, or lingering questions should remain.
A proper debrief covers everything: the real aims, actual procedures, participants' rights, and what happens to their data. It's also a chance for participants to ask questions and get clarity about their experience.
Essential Rule: For under-16s, parents and guardians must also receive a full debrief to ensure complete transparency about their child's participation.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Ethical Issues in A-Level Psychology Research Methods
Zofia
@zofia_577
Research in psychology sounds exciting, but there are strict rules to protect people who take part in studies. These ethical guidelines ensure that participants are treated fairly, kept safe, and fully informed about what they're signing up for.
Informed Consent and Its Alternatives
Informed consent is like getting all the details before signing a contract - participants need to know exactly what they're agreeing to. This means researchers must explain the study's aims, procedures, and how the data will be used before anyone takes part.
For anyone under 16, it gets a bit more complicated because parents and teachers also need to give permission. Think of it as needing multiple signatures for something important.
Sometimes telling participants everything upfront can ruin the study because people might act differently if they know what's being tested. Researchers have clever workarounds like presumptive consent (asking similar people if they'd be okay with it) or retrospective consent (explaining everything afterwards and asking if their data can still be used).
Quick Tip: Remember that proper informed consent means no surprises - participants should never feel tricked or pressured into taking part.
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Deception in Research
Deception happens when researchers deliberately mislead participants or leave out important information. Whilst this sounds dodgy, it's sometimes necessary to prevent people from acting unnaturally during experiments.
The key rule is that any deception must be justified - it should reduce demand characteristics without causing unwanted stress. It's a bit like a white lie that serves a greater purpose.
When deception is used, researchers must be extra careful during debriefing. They need to explain the real aims, reveal what other groups did differently, and reassure participants that their behaviour was completely normal.
Remember: If participants feel embarrassed or self-conscious after learning about the deception, researchers must provide support and even counselling if needed.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Protecting Participants from Harm
The golden rule is simple: research shouldn't be riskier than everyday life. Participants shouldn't face embarrassment, stress, or feel inadequate because of the study procedures.
Researchers must ensure procedures are safe and that participants know they can withdraw at any time. If someone seems distressed, the researcher should stop the study immediately - even if the participant hasn't asked to quit.
After the study, researchers conduct a thorough debrief to check if anyone experienced harm. Think of it as a post-study health check to make sure everyone's okay.
Key Point: The researcher's job isn't just to collect data - they're responsible for participants' wellbeing throughout the entire process.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Confidentiality, Privacy and Right to Withdraw
Under the Data Protection Act, participants' personal information must be kept confidential unless they've agreed otherwise. This means no names, institutions, or specific locations should appear in research reports.
Privacy is about giving participants control over their information. Researchers typically use "Participant 1, 2, 3" or initials instead of real names. Personal details often aren't recorded at all to maintain anonymity.
The right to withdraw is crucial - participants can quit at any point, even after the study ends. They can tell researchers not to use their data if they change their minds later.
Important: For under-16s, parents and guardians also need to know about withdrawal rights, giving young participants extra protection.
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Debriefing - Leaving Participants as You Found Them
Debriefing serves three essential functions: completing participants' understanding, checking for negative effects, and finding out if anything went wrong during the study.
The goal is simple but important - participants should leave feeling exactly the same as when they arrived. No confusion, stress, or lingering questions should remain.
A proper debrief covers everything: the real aims, actual procedures, participants' rights, and what happens to their data. It's also a chance for participants to ask questions and get clarity about their experience.
Essential Rule: For under-16s, parents and guardians must also receive a full debrief to ensure complete transparency about their child's participation.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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Most popular content in Psychology
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English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user