Ethics of Psychological Research

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Ethics of Psychological Research

This course is part of Psychological Research Specialization

Instructor: Mike Stadler, PhD

4,548 already enrolled

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11 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

79 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

11 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

79 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Explain why ethical practices are important in scientific research.
Describe guidelines researchers follow for conducting ethical research.
Explain necessary components for conducting ethical research with human participants.
Explain necessary components for conducting ethical research with nonhuman animals.
Describe issues associated with research misconduct.
Evaluate ethical issues in research.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

23 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Psychological Research Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 11 modules in this course

This is primarily aimed at first- and second-year undergraduates interested in psychology, ethics in research methods, and quantitative research methods along with high school students and professionals with similar interests.

This module introduces you to your PsycLearn Essentials course. Find out what’s included in this course and how to navigate the modules and lessons. You’ll also learn valuable study tips for successful learning.

What's included

7 readings

Welcome and Overview

What's included

2 videos2 readings

Investigate the broad history of ethical concerns in science and the development of ethical codes.

What's included

4 videos3 readings4 assignments

4 videos Total 17 minutes

Historical Events Related to Research Ethics 4 minutes
Historical Development of Codes of Research Ethics 5 minutes
The Nuremberg Code and Some Early Successors 3 minutes
The Tuskegee Experiment, The Belmont Report, and The Common Rule 5 minutes

3 readings Total 15 minutes

Key Takeaways: Background and History 5 minutes
DOWNLOAD: The Belmont Report 5 minutes
DOWNLOAD: Timeline of ethics codes 5 minutes

4 assignments Total 56 minutes

Check Your Understanding: A Brief History of Research Ethics 10 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Major Events in the Development of Codes of Research Ethics 20 minutes
Key Vocabulary Checkup: Background and History 10 minutes
Module Quiz: Background and History 16 minutes

Understand the functions of research ethics codes and some of the bodies that apply them.

What's included

4 videos6 readings4 assignments

4 videos Total 14 minutes

Codes of Research Ethics 4 minutes
The APA Code of Ethics and Its General Principles 3 minutes
Standards in the APA Code of Ethics 2 minutes
Institutional Approval 7 minutes

6 readings Total 40 minutes

Overview 5 minutes
Elements of Institutional Approval 10 minutes
Key Takeaways: Codes and Enforcment 10 minutes
DOWNLOAD: Institutional review boards 5 minutes
DOWNLOAD: The APA five general ethical principles 5 minutes
DOWNLOAD: The APA ten ethical standards 5 minutes

4 assignments Total 60 minutes

Check Your Understanding: Codes of Ethics in Science and Psychology 15 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Enforcement 15 minutes
Key Vocabulary Checkup: Codes and Enforcement 15 minutes
Module Quiz: Codes and Enforcement 15 minutes

Consider the ethical issues involved in the use of nonhuman animals in scientific research.

What's included

2 videos2 readings3 assignments

2 videos Total 6 minutes

Ethical Standards for Using Nonhuman Animals in Research 4 minutes
The Three Rs of Animal Research 2 minutes

2 readings Total 15 minutes

Key Takeaways: Ethical Standards for Using Nonhuman Animals in Research 10 minutes
DOWNLOAD: Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees 5 minutes

3 assignments Total 30 minutes

Check Your Understanding: Ethical Standards for Using Nonhuman Animals in Research 15 minutes
Key Vocabulary Checkup: Ethical Standards for Using Nonhuman Animals in Research 5 minutes
Module Quiz: Ethical Standards for Using Nonhuman Animals in Research 10 minutes

Consider the ethical issues involved in the use of human participants in scientific research.

What's included

11 videos2 readings7 assignments

11 videos Total 44 minutes

Informed Consent 4 minutes
The Consent Form 4 minutes
Privacy and Confidentiality 4 minutes
Privacy and Confidentiality Dilemma One 2 minutes
Privacy and Confidentiality Dilemma Two 2 minutes
Is It Ethical To Deceive a Research Participant? 5 minutes
Deception: An Example 7 minutes
Debriefing 5 minutes
Debriefing Example 4 minutes
Representation in Research 3 minutes
The Importance of Representation 4 minutes

2 readings Total 20 minutes

Key Takeaways: Ethical Standards for Using Humans in Research 15 minutes
DOWNLOAD: Informed consent to research 5 minutes

7 assignments Total 100 minutes

Check Your Understanding: Informed Consent and the Right to Withdraw It 10 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Privacy and Confidentiality 10 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Deception 20 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Debriefing 10 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Representation 15 minutes
Key Vocabulary Checkup: Ethical Standards for Using Humans in Research 15 minutes
Module Quiz: Ethical Standards for Using Humans in Research 20 minutes

Consider the ethical issues that may arise in research even after the data are collected.

What's included

2 videos1 reading3 assignments

2 videos Total 11 minutes

Research Fraud 6 minutes
Ethical Data Analysis 5 minutes

1 reading Total 10 minutes

Key Takeaways: Analysis and Reporting of Research 10 minutes

3 assignments Total 36 minutes

Check Your Understanding: Analysis and Reporting of Research 20 minutes
Key Vocabulary Checkup: Analysis and Reporting of Research 15 minutes
Module Quiz: Analysis and Reporting of Research 1 minute

Apply what you have learned in some case studies of ethics in research.

What's included

3 videos3 readings1 assignment

Review the course summary.

What's included

4 readings

Complete the final course quiz.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Explore APA resources on various psychological issues and scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA.

What's included

8 readings

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

(29 ratings)

Mike Stadler, PhD

American Psychological Association

14 Courses 18,485 learners

Offered by

American Psychological Association

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Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025

Really nice course, thank you for the time in making it!

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025

Excellent Course out of all those I have attended! Excellent videos and explanations!!

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

This course was great in understanding the concept in depth and also helped in bifurcating between the results.

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Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.