Ethics of Data Collection and Storage

1. Ethics of Data Collection and Storage Ian Sneddon QUB Psychology

2. Areas for application of ethical principles • Data collection - Induced Emotion • Data collection - ‘Naturalistic’ Emotion • Storage and use of data after collection

3. The Basic Ethical Principles • All research involving human participants requires ethical approval • Normally obtain prior informed consent • Normally the participant is entitled to confidentiality/anonymity

4. Applying the Principles1) Induced Emotions • Obtain prior informed consent • “In the event that confidentiality/anonymity cannot be guaranteed, the participant MUST be warned of this in advance of agreeing to participate.” BPS code of conduct • If inducing negative emotions – have a process for returning the participant to a neutral/positive state.

5. Applying the Principles2) ‘Naturalistic’ Emotions • Recording of PUBLIC behaviour without prior consent • If adopting ‘incomplete disclosure’ then the reaction of the participant is important. • Debriefing should happen as soon as possible • Participant can withdraw and have data destroyed • You should actively ensure that the participant is happy with all aspects of the study.

6. Naturalistic Emotions – alternatives to incomplete disclosure • We should find alternatives if at all possible • Many situations where emotional expression is likely (and where we could obtain prior informed consent).

7. Applying the Principles3) Storage and distribution of data • Informed consent to store and distribute • Remaining problems with labelling data • Remaining legal problems • Longer-term data security

8. Research with children • Sensitive climate for working with children • Informed consent of parent and child • Problems posed by inducing emotions • Problems posed by filming children