Understanding Ethical Principles in Psychological Research Assignment Essay

a written essay that demonstrates your understanding of the ethical principles that underpin psychological research

Your essay should show that you can synthesise key research concepts, engage critically with relevant examples, and reflect on how ethical guidelines shape both past and present research practices.

Task Guidance:

1. Introduction

• Define what is meant by ethics in psychological research.
• Outline the scope of your essay (which studies and issues you will focus on).

2. Main Body

• Historical Context: Discuss the role of ethics in psychological research by examining two landmark case studies (such as but not limited to:
  Milgram’s obedience experiments;
  Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment;
  Little Albert (Watson & Rayner, 1920);
  Harlow’s Monkey Studies (1950s–60s);
  Humphreys’ Tearoom Trade Study (1970);
  Tuskegee Syphilis Study (1932–1972, USA);
  Loftus’ False Memory Studies (1990s);
  Monster Study (Johnson, 1939);
  Asch’s Conformity Experiments (1950s);
  Bandura’s Bobo Doll Study (1961);
  Rosenhan’s “On Being Sane in Insane Places” (1973)).
• Critical Analysis: Evaluate the strengths and limitations of these studies in terms of knowledge gained versus ethical costs.
• Development of Ethical Guidelines: Explain how controversies in these historical studies led to the establishment of frameworks such as the APA Code of Ethics, BPS and PSI Ethical Principles, and institutional review boards (IRBs).
• Contemporary Relevance: Consider how ethical standards are applied in modern research (e.g., informed consent, right to withdraw, protection from harm, confidentiality). Use contemporary examples to show their significance.

3. Conclusion

• Summarise your main arguments.
• Reflect on why ethics are central to trustworthy, responsible, and socially valuable psychological research.

Expectations:

• Your essay should not simply describe famous studies; instead, it should critically engage with them, weighing their contributions to psychological science against the ethical issues they raised.
• Include examples that are meaningful or significant to you to illustrate your points (e.g., research areas you are particularly interested in, or real-world applications where ethical issues are especially important).

Practical Details:

• Length: 2,000 words (±10%).
• Referencing: Use APA style (7th edition) for all in-text citations and the reference list.
• Submission: Upload via Turnitin on Moodle by Mon 1st Dec 2025
• Ensure that your document is in Word (.doc/.docx).

Assessment Criteria:

Your work will be graded against the following criteria:

Knowledge and Understanding – Clear grasp of ethical concepts and historical/contemporary 2. 3. 4. 5. case studies.

Critical Thinking – Ability to evaluate studies and ethical principles, not just describe them.

Structure and Coherence – Logical organisation, clarity of argument, and effective essay structure.

Use of Evidence – Appropriate use of academic sources and accurate APA referencing.

Originality and Reflection – Thoughtful integration of personal examples or areas of interest to support arguments.

Deadline: All essays must be submitted by Mon 1st Dec 2025 @ 12.00 midday via Turnitin on Moodle.

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