How can I remember all of the ethical guidelines involved in psychological research?

There's a mnemonic I used to use which I found really helpful to remember the ethical guidelines; When Doing Psychology Do Do It Correctly (W.D.P.D.D.I.C). Each one of these letter then refers to an ethical guideline, as follows:  W: Withdrawal (The Participant's right to withdraw themselves from the study at any time), D: Deception (the researchers must try to let the participant know at all times what is happening; they are not allowed to decieve them of any information or lie to them), P: Protection (the participant must be protected at all times from any harm both physically, mentally and emotionally), D: Data (the participant's data must be kept in completely confidential settings and must not be used anywhere else other than for the study's purpose), D: Debrief (participants must be given an explanation of the study's intentions and hypothesis after the study has taken place) I: Informed consent (the participant must give their full informed consent before beginning the study. If the study happens before they can give their consent, retrograde consent must be obtained), C: Competence (the researchers must be fully competent to take out the study, and have all the necessary qualifications before creating  or running the study)

Answered by Rebecca M. Psychology tutor

10791 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

evaluate the learning theory of attachment (8 marks)


Identify and explain 3 types of long-term memory - give an example of each.


Psychologists deal with ethical issues in a variety of ways. Explain one or more ways of dealing with ethical issues in social influence research.


Outline and evaluate the treatments of phobia.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences