Table C–4

Research With Human Participants: An Ethics Checklist

Is a physically unpleasant stimulus going to be used in your study? If so,

1.        Is this fact clearly stated

              a.  on the sign-up sheet?

              b.  on the consent form?

2.        Have you considered alternatives that would be less unpleasant?

3.        Have you limited the intensity of this stimulus?

4.        Have you taken steps to reduce potential harm to your participants caused by a physically unpleasant stimulus?

Are you going to use stress of some sort (such as sense of insecurity or failure, assault upon values, fatigue, or sleep deprivation) in your study? If so,

1.        Is this fact clearly stated

              a.  on the sign-up sheet?

              b.  on the consent form?

2.        Have you considered alternatives that would be less stressful?

3.        Have you limited the intensity of this stimulus?

4.        Have you taken steps to reduce potential harm to your participants caused by a psychologically unpleasant stimulus?

What will you do if participants exhibit signs of harm (for instance, crying, disoriented behavior)?

Are you prepared to describe the purpose and nature of your study to your participants during debriefing?

Will you use deception in your study? If so, what will you tell participants during debriefing?

Are you aware that participants can quit your study at any time?
If a participant does drop out, will you give your participants credit for participating?

• Is this fact stated on the informed consent form?
  
• Is this fact part of your instructions to the participants?

What educational gain do you think participants will obtain from participating in your study?

How will you ensure the confidentiality of each participant’s data?