Research Participation Ethics Paper

When completing the Research Participation Ethics Questionnaire, it became more evident to me the ethical responsibility that I have as a participate, to be honest, reliable, and respect the researcher’s objective. My overall score from the survey was 15. However, for the questions relating to honesty, I was torn between selecting “minor ethical issues” or “major ethical issues.” Finally, deciding to go with “minor ethical issues,” while selecting the major ethical issue for the question relating to purposeful intent.
Whether you are completing a quick survey in the mall to get a complimentary gift, or receiving a request to take part in a colleagues survey the credibility of the study results is dependent on the honesty of participants. Lefkowitz (2009) makes the case that trust is the foundation of every behavioral decision at every level of the research that includes the researcher as well as the participants.
I believe both researcher and participates have a level of responsibility to be ethical. However, the participant’s ethical responsibility is based on their awareness of the impact
of their responses and their personal or professional morals relating, to being honest. For example, I part of several LinkedIn Groups where I often receive requests to participate in surveys. As someone who has also used LinkedIn to collect data, I try to participate in surveys as often as possible. However, I make sure that I have the appropriated background or experience that relevant to the survey and that I have the time to complete the questionnaire.
Whereas, the ethical responsibility of the researcher is held to a held to a higher standard due their exposure to research practices and consequences, as well as their commitment to the American Psychological Association (APA) Code of Ethics (APA, 2010).
The APA (2010) has 15 codes relating to Research and Publication that supports the ethical practices and behaviors of their members. Among some the highlighted areas regarding the ethical responsibilities of the researcher relates to their interaction with the participants. Lefkowitz (2009) stresses that researchers have an ethical obligation not ensure participants voluntary participate, provide their consent, and their “well-being” is protected. Also, as it relates to the research side of ethics, its psychologist must restrain from “deception” as it refers to the existence, the purpose, and the methodology Lefkowitz
(2009).
All in all, the credibility of the field I/O psychology research to change and resolve problems impacting workplace associated with individual businesses and society, the field relies on honesty and ethical behaviors from both the participant and the researcher.