Discuss one or more ethical considerations related to one or more research studies at the cognitive level of analysis.

Refer to the paper 1 section B assessment criteria when awarding marks.

The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of one or more ethical considerations related to one or more research studies at the cognitive level of analysis.

Ethical considerations may be positive (what guidelines were followed) or negative (what guidelines were not followed).

Ethical considerations may 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.

Discussion of ethical considerations may include, but is not limited to:

• why deception is used
• the need for debriefing
• a cost–benefit analysis approach with regard to ethical considerations
• the meaning of “informed” consent and who has the right to give it
• changes over time in adherence to ethical standards/guidelines
• the importance of minimizing physical and/or psychological pain
• why anonymity/confidentiality of data is important
• whether the study is justified or could it have been conducted in alternative ways.

Candidates that discuss the use of animals in research should use studies that are clearly cognitive and not studies that focus on the effects of biological factors on cognitive processes.