Table C–4

Research With Human Participants: An Ethics Checklist

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

1.        Isthis fact clearly stated

              a.  onthe sign-up sheet?

              b.  onthe consent form?

2.        Haveyou considered alternatives that would be less unpleasant?

3.        Haveyou limited the intensity of this stimulus?

4.        Haveyou taken steps to reduce potential harm to your participants caused by aphysically unpleasant stimulus?

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

1.        Isthis fact clearly stated

              a.  onthe sign-up sheet?

              b.  onthe consent form?

2.        Haveyou considered alternatives that would be less stressful?

3.        Haveyou limited the intensity of this stimulus?

4.        Haveyou taken steps to reduce potential harm to your participants caused by apsychologically unpleasant stimulus?

What willyou do if participants exhibit signs of harm (for instance, crying, disorientedbehavior)?

Are youprepared to describe the purpose and nature of your study to your participantsduring debriefing?

Will youuse deception in your study? If so, what will you tell participants duringdebriefing?

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

• Is thisfact stated on the informed consent form?
  
• Is this fact part of yourinstructions to the participants?

Whateducational gain do you think participants will obtain from participating inyour study?

How will you ensure the confidentiality of eachparticipant’s data?