THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING

Ethical Issues in the Conduct of Classic Studies in Psychology

Below are three discussions of psychological studies frequently cited in undergraduate texts that raise ethical questions about the responsible conduct of science. These presentations are adapted from the Instructor's Manual for Integrating Research Ethics into the Introductory Psychology Curriculum, copyright 1996 by Celia B. Fisher, supported by grant #SBR-9310458 from the National Science Foundation. Information concerning additional case material can be obtained from Fisher@Murray.Fordham.edu.

When Is Deception Ethically Justified in Research?

Is it ethical to deceive participants and place them at risk in naturalistic field investigations?

What Are Acceptable Risks for Human Subjects in a Treatment Study?

What should be the limits of risk and suffering to patient subjects in studies of the efficacy of treatments for major psychological illness such as clinical depression?

What Suffering or Sacrifice of Experimental Animals Is Warranted?

What are the ethical constraints on causing suffering or death of higher mammals, such as cats, to study the brain correlates of vision?

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