Have you ever faced any ethical dilemmas during your research projects? How did you handle them?

Sample interview questions: Have you ever faced any ethical dilemmas during your research projects? How did you handle them?

Sample answer:

Yes, as a research psychologist, I have encountered ethical dilemmas during my research projects. These dilemmas arise from the need to balance the pursuit of scientific knowledge with the responsibility to protect the rights and well-being of research participants.

One ethical dilemma I faced was related to informed consent. In one study, I wanted to investigate the effects of a particular therapeutic intervention on individuals with a specific psychological disorder. However, due to the nature of the disorder, some participants lacked the capacity to fully understand the research and provide informed consent. In such cases, I had to carefully consider the potential benefits of including these individuals in the study against the ethical responsibility of obtaining informed consent. To handle this dilemma, I collaborated closely with ethics committees, legal experts, and mental health professionals to ensure that appropriate safeguards were in place. This involved obtaining informed consent from legally authorized representatives while also respecting the autonomy and well-being of the participants.

Another ethical dilemma I encountered was related to confidentiality and privacy. In a study examining sensitive topics such as trauma or substance abuse, it was crucial to protect the identities and personal information of participants to maintain their privacy. However, there were instances where participants expressed a desire to share their stories openly, believing it could help others going through similar experiences. Balancing the duty to maintain confidentiality with the potential benefits of participant self-disclosure required careful consideration. I addressed this dilemma by implementing strict data anonymization procedures, obtaining explicit consent for any identifiable information, and discussing potential risks and bene… Read full answer

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