Describe one ethical consideration related to one research study at the cognitive level of analysis.

Refer to the paper 1 section A markbands below when awarding marks.

The command term “describe” requires candidates to give a detailed account of one ethical consideration in relation to one research study at the cognitive level of analysis. Ethical considerations can be positive (what guidelines could be followed) or negative (what guidelines were not followed).

Ethical considerations which may be discussed include, but are not limited to:

• deception
• protection from physical or mental harm
• briefing and debriefing
• right to withdraw from a study
• informed consent
• anonymity/confidentiality.

Research studies could include studies that investigate biological or sociocultural factors that affect cognitive process. However, responses should clearly relate the study to the cognitive level of analysis and must focus on the cognitive aspects of the research.

Responses should make a clear link between the study at the cognitive level of analysis and the ethical consideration. If there is no explicit link between the study and the ethical consideration, award up to a maximum of [6].

If a candidate describes more than one ethical consideration in relation to one or more research studies, credit should be given only to the first ethical consideration described in relation to the first research study used. Candidates may briefly refer to another ethical consideration or considerations but this should only be in the context of one ethical consideration that is explicitly described.

If a candidate describes one ethical consideration without making reference to one research study from the cognitive level of analysis, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [4].

If a candidate describes a study but one ethical consideration is not explicitly addressed, up to a maximum of [3] should be awarded.