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1Department of Philosophy, University of Oklahoma, Norman, USA.
The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Deceptive psychology experiments present ethical dilemmas similar to medical research, primarily concerning human subjects and intentional deception. The utilitarian justifications often rely on flawed risk-benefit analyses, warranting scrutiny from bioethics experts.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Bioethics
- Research Ethics
Background:
- Deceptive psychology experiments, while less studied than medical research, share ethical challenges.
- Key ethical concerns involve the use of human subjects and the implementation of intentional deception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the ethical justifications for deception in psychology experiments.
- To evaluate the utilitarian arguments used by psychologists to defend deception.
- To highlight the need for bioethics commentary on these justifications.
Main Methods:
- Critical examination of utilitarian arguments in psychology research.
- Analysis of risk-benefit assessments in deceptive experiments.
- Comparative review of ethical considerations across different research domains.
Main Results:
- Utilitarian arguments for deception in psychology often contain flawed comparisons.
- The accounts of risks and benefits in these justifications are frequently dubious.
- Existing ethical frameworks may not adequately address the nuances of psychological deception.
Conclusions:
- The ethical justification for deception in psychology requires more rigorous scrutiny.
- Bioethicists are well-positioned to critically evaluate these arguments and assumptions.
- Further interdisciplinary dialogue is needed to refine ethical standards for psychological research involving deception.