Consider the ethics of a study that has historically shaped and influenced research on core topics within social psychology.TaskUse the given historical social psychology study which is Zimbardo prison study attached in files.To complete this assignment, you will need to read the British Psychological Society (BPS) Code of Ethics for Human Research [https://www.bps.org.uk/guideline/bps-code-human-research-ethics] in detail and consider the extent to which your chosen study met the ethical standards set out in the code.The assignment template provided must be completed. There are two elements within the template: Part 1: Identifying Unethical PracticesFor this part, you must read the corresponding sections of the BPS Code of Ethics for Human Research and briefly write in the table about any unethical practice you have identified in your chosen study. There may be more to write about some sections than others, depending on the study you select. Share on Facebook Tweet Follow us Sample Answer Ethics of the Zimbardo Prison Study: Identifying Unethical Practices Part 1: Identifying Unethical Practices In this section, I will examine the ethical concerns surrounding the Stanford prison experiment, conducted by Philip Zimbardo in 1971. This study aimed to investigate the psychological effects of perceived power by assigning roles of guards and prisoners to participants. Below is a summary of the unethical practices identified in the study, mapped against relevant sections of the British Psychological Society (BPS) Code of Ethics for Human Research. BPS Code of Ethics Section Unethical Practice in the Zimbardo Study Description Respect for the Autonomy of Participants Lack of Informed Consent Participants were not fully informed of the potential risks and consequences of the study. The extreme psychological stress experienced by participants was not clearly communicated prior to their involvement. Right to Withdraw Coercion to Remain in the Study Despite being told they could withdraw at any time, participants faced pressure and coercive tactics from Zimbardo and staff to remain in the study. Some participants expressed a desire to leave but felt they could not do so. Protection from Harm Psychological and Emotional Distress The study caused significant psychological harm to participants. Many “prisoners” experienced emotional breakdowns and severe anxiety during the experiment, leading to long-term psychological effects. Debriefing Inadequate Debriefing Post-Study Participants did not receive adequate debriefing after the study concluded. Proper debriefing is essential for addressing any potential emotional or psychological harm incurred during participation. Integrity Misrepresentation of Purpose The study’s portrayal may have misled participants regarding its true nature and aims. The guards were encouraged to act aggressively, which ultimately compromised the integrity of the research environment. Conclusion The Zimbardo prison study serves as a critical example for understanding ethical standards in psychological research. Through this examination, it is evident that the study failed to adhere to several key principles outlined in the BPS Code of Ethics for Human Research. The lack of informed consent, inadequate protection from harm, and insufficient debriefing reflect significant ethical violations that have contributed to ongoing discussions about research ethics in psychology. These lessons underscore the importance of prioritizing participant welfare and ethical considerations in future studies. This question has been answered. Get Answer
