ABSTRACT
Research ethics concerns our proper treatment and protection of research participants. It begins with the essential realization that research in I-O psychology is rarely aimed at benefitting directly the people who participate in it as subjects, whether college students or company employees. They may be a convenience sample whose trust we depend on and must earn. Deontological principles dominate the ethical strictures: treating people with dignity and respect for their autonomy (so they are free to decide whether to participate in the research and whether to continue their participation); having concern for their well-being and avoiding the infliction of harm (so that if deception or withholding information can be justified by a rigorous review, adequate debriefing will be provided); abiding by principles of justice and fairness (so that people are not coerced into participation by virtue of their lesser social status or other factors); and displaying honesty, integrity and trustworthiness (so that promises made regarding the confidentiality of replies and the potential benefits, discomforts or risks of participation are fulfilled). Discussed extensively are informed consent; privacy, anonymity and confidentiality; use of deception; and post-research procedures (manipulation checks, debriefing, dehoaxing and desensitization).
