I think your second response would prove to be beneficial. Principle B: Fidelity
and Responsibility states psychologists must protect participants from
exploitation and harm (American Psychological Association, 2017). With that in
mind, I feel that allowing the individual to participate could cause a lot of
unwanted stress. The individual is probably only wanting to participate because
they see others taking part in the study. This individual may not understand that
the study has the potential to be stressful. Thus, explaining the study to them may
prove to be rather beneficial.
a a a a a a a a a a There is also a biblical passage that may prove useful here as well.
James 4:17 reads, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t
do it, it is sin for them.” (
New International Version,
1973/2011). Now, do not think
that I am saying that you are a sinner. I am trying to make the point that you
already knew the proper thing to do. You knew that it was not in the individual’s
best interest that they participate in the study. Then, you came up with two very
viable options to solve the issue at hand. a However, as I previously stated, I think
the best avenue would be to sit the person down and address them face-to-face
and explain why they should not participate in the study.
Thank you for reaching out to me concerning the concerning involving participants
with learning difficulty. I understand your concern about involving the individual
since her parents have already denied her being in the research study. You are
correct that vulnerable individuals must be protected by law. However, you must
also take the APA Code 3.01 Unfair Discrimination into consideration which
prohibits, “unfair discrimination based on age, gender, gender identity, race
ethnicity, culture, natural origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability,
socioeconomic status, or any basis prescribed by law ("Ethical Principles of
Psychologists and Code of Conduct," n.d.).” This situation is sensitive because the
parents have stated they do no wish the individual to participate but the individual
is over 18. You stated that the participant will be allowed to join the study but the
parents can pull him/her out at any time. Since the individual is 18 they cannot
make a decision for him/her unless they are his/her legal guardian. If they have
legal guardianship then you must not allow the individual to participate because
the parents have already declined.
Thank you for expressing your concerns. Please reach out with any further
questions.
References
Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/
United States. National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of
Biomedical and Behavioral Research. (1978). The Belmont Report: Ethical
Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research.
