PSY-510 | Introduction to the Field of Psychology Topic 1 DQ1: In the past, researchers in psychology used some "ethically questionable" research techniques. Do you believe that some of these techniques were useful despite their ethical shortcomings? Explain. How did these “ethically questionable” techniques lend to the creation of the code of ethics? It is often argued that deception in research is a necessary evil. It provides the necessary methods, illusions, and increases the impact

of a laboratory or field setting, such that the experimental situation becomes more realistic and reduces the effects of participants’
motives and role-playing behavior. It is also argued that deception is an essential component of the behavioral scientist’s research
arsenal, emphasizing the theoretical or social advances one may anticipate from the research, and the avoidance of misleading findings
that might result from a study had participants not been deceived (Knapp, 2012).
Respectively I believe these points reflect the researcher’s morals, and personal fears to procedural that were typically and often
steamrolled against the use of research deception. The techniques that were conducted among many of the researchers in the past were
deceptive and very unethical. Regardless of the advancement of research, human beings were deceived for this unquestionable and
unregulated reason. This was due to the lack of regulations, unwritten standards, and the unbiased focus that was needed for human
rights.
The techniques of the past minimize the public’s trust in psychological research, expert authorities and abused the appearance of the
profession, as well as jeopardized the psychology community and the financial stability that is needed in research. (Allan J. Kimmel,
2011)
The questionable techniques used back than continues to reflect some of the unchallenged views today. Thus, professional practice
and standards that govern most professional individual’s ethics are sum by the license that they hold.
Allan J. Kimmel. (2011). Deception in psychological research - a necessary evil? The British Psychological Society, 580-585.
S.J. Knapp (Editor-in-Chief) (2012). APA Handbook of Ethics: Vol. 2. Practice, Teaching, and Research. Washington, DC: American
Psychological Association. Research Ethics blog: http://researchethicsblog.com

Topic 1 DQ2: Review the preamble and general principles section of the code of ethics. What is the purpose of these sections? In
reviewing the general principles, which do you feel is the most impactful or influential to the practice of psychology? Explain.
The purpose of the general principal’s section is to place ethical standards that regulate professional practices in psychology. It
dictates the appropriate actions of conducting research and executing the diverse aspects of the psychological profession in regards to
ethics. Ethical principles have always been a sensitive topic regarding human research. However, psychological research remains
susceptible to debatable experimental designs and techniques because of the complicated features it deals with in research.
Psychologists will often recruit other human beings in their study. This will or can question the intended actions of the research.
(Allan & Love, 2010)
The most impactful and influential to me is Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity. It addresses standards that focus on
respect and equality for all human beings. It also encompasses the other four principles. It places a
clear emphasis on obtaining permission from the participant study and protect their confidentiality and privacy. (APA 2010)
American Psychological Association. (2010). American Psychological Association ethical principles of psychologists and code of
conduct. Retrieved January 6, 2017, from http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx

APA’s Five General Principles of Ethics: How Do They Matter to an Aspiring Scientist