BPS research ethics
Design consent and participant protection into the study
The BPS Code of Human Research Ethics frames ethical judgement in psychological research, including valid consent, risk, confidentiality, deception and debriefing. Consent must be voluntary and appropriately informed. Any proposed deception needs strong justification, consideration of alternatives and ethics review. Debriefing should explain the study and address effects of participation rather than function as an automatic cure for harm.
Use throughout psychological research involving people, including student studies and online tasks. Assess the actual population, relationships, risks and information needs, then obtain the relevant institutional review before recruitment.
Strengths
- Connects research design with participant autonomy and wellbeing
- Provides a shared basis for reviewing difficult procedures
Limitations
- A code cannot anticipate every contextual dilemma
- Formal approval does not replace ongoing ethical judgement
Know the boundary
Consent to participation is distinct from a legal basis for processing personal data; an overseas historical study does not demonstrate BPS compliance.