Hello graduate research advisor,
I am interested in investigating racist hiring practices and I would appreciate your
input regarding my proposed ethical responses to the ethical dilemma of the use of
deception in this study. Disguising the focus of the study is imperative as participants
with true knowledge of the specific topic will likely alter behaviors and skew results.
In consideration of how to minimize the impact of mistrust on participants I referred
to the APA code of conduct and constructed two ethically valid responses to the two
ethical principles most at stake, Integrity and Beneficence.
Regarding the principle of Integrity, I must aspire to promote honesty and
truthfulness and avoid misrepresentations and misleading procedures when
practicing psychology (APA, 2017). Disguising the focus of the study is necessary
and according to Integrity, I am tasked to consider how to correct any effects
resulting from mistrust. An ethically valid response to this issue is to explain the
imperative need for the use of deception in the effectiveness of the study as early as
feasible sometime prior to the completion of data collection and provide participants
the option to withdraw their data if uncomfortable (APA.8.07. Deception in
Research). By explaining the imperative need for the uninhibited responses and
reactions to data collection and allowing participants the option of withdrawing their
data I could minimize the effect of mistrust.
In consideration of Beneficence, I aspire to strive to benefit the participants and
make every effort to do no harm (APA, 2017). Participants learning the true nature of
the study could pose a risk of stress and other negative factors due to the mistrust. A
valid ethical response is the use of APA standard Debriefing. I could provide a
prompt opportunity for participants to obtain appropriate information about the design
of the study including conclusions and results as well as take reasonable steps to
correct any known misconceptions (APA.8.08. Debriefing). This open dialogue may
allow for participants to gain understanding and lessen negative feelings regarding
being deceived regarding the true nature of the study.
I hope I have clearly stated the dilemmas regarding the 2 ethical principles most at
stake and I look forward to your response regarding my 2 proposed ethically viable
solutions.
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Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration,
Research Student
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Reference
American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and
code of conduct. Retrieved January 25, 2022,
from+https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index
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