Ethical Standards Of Psychological Research: Informed Consent

Ethical codes set the foundation for research that is conducted with at risk populations. Because most participants in psychological research are classified as vulnerable, guidelines must being place to protect their rights in involvement, including consent. Little research has been done to ensure participants comprehension of the consent process. With that in mind, Yale University School of Medicine ventured into this questionable debate. The purpose of this study was to observe the methods by which informed consent is gathered from intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators mandated by court to receive treatment. Confusion arises when addressing whether IPV offenders understand their rights in research and if they perceive it as voluntary or involuntary. Involving this particular population, assent and consent needs to be addressed. Assent is when an individual agrees to participate and must exceed an absence of …show more content…
The Nuremberg Code was revised nine times because of evolved ethical dilemmas (Cory A. Crane, 2013). Besides organizational standards, consent was set in place to protect human rights and personal safety. Each individual autonomy must be kept as far as the criminal diversion. Informed participants understand that participation is not necessary to receive services or avoid punitive action. Recruiting participants would be hard unless the researchers are seen as trustworthy. Researchers have to make sure all participants comprehend the information provided in case any unforeseen circumstances occur, steps can be taken. In behavioral sciences, researcher work with at-risk populations, elderly or demented individuals, and severe mental illness. Offenders and criminals in the justice system have increased susceptibility to influences by authority figures. This can also cause offenders to question their rights and