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Confidentiality issues in psychological research.
1Department of Psychology, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia.
Australian Psychologist
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Psychological researchers face new ethical challenges regarding participant confidentiality, especially when studying sensitive topics. This paper explores these dilemmas using four core ethical principles to guide researchers in maintaining trust and privacy.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Research Ethics
- Confidentiality
Background:
- Growing research in sensitive areas like AIDS, child sexual abuse, and domestic violence presents new ethical dilemmas.
- Increased global and Australian focus on individual privacy and professional confidentiality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss ethical issues surrounding confidentiality in psychological research.
- To highlight researchers' obligations to preserve confidentiality based on established ethical principles.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of ethical issues in psychological research.
- Application of four ethical principles (privacy, loyalty, pledge of silence, professional codes) derived from Bok (1989).
- Illustration of principles with examples from recent psychological research.
Main Results:
- Identification of complex ethical dilemmas in psychological research confidentiality.
- Exploration of potential clashes between moral principles in research contexts.
- Emphasis on the importance of ethical frameworks for maintaining participant trust.
Conclusions:
- Researchers must navigate complex ethical considerations to uphold confidentiality.
- Adherence to ethical principles is crucial for responsible psychological research.
- Understanding and addressing ethical conflicts strengthens the researcher-participant relationship.
Keywords:
Biomedical and Behavioral Research
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