Nancy is conducting a study using college students as subjects. The purpose of the study is to see if the kind of clothing the experimenter wears will have an affect on the willingness of the subject to perform an embarrassing task. During the experiment, Nancy or one of her research assistants will approach a subject chosen at random from passersby. The experimenter will be wearing either a lab coat, a business suit, or casual clothes. The experimenter will ask the subject to do an embarrassing task. If the subject agrees, that subject will perform the task and then be asked why he or she agreed. If the subject refuses, he or she will be asked why they refused. After the single question, the subject will be dismissed and the experiment will continue. Why is this experiment unethical? How could it be improved?

Question

Advanced Placement (AP)

Kenzie Griffin

23 April, 16:43

Nancy is conducting a study using college students as subjects. The purpose of the study is to see if the kind of clothing the experimenter wears will have an affect on the willingness of the subject to perform an embarrassing task. During the experiment, Nancy or one of her research assistants will approach a subject chosen at random from passersby. The experimenter will be wearing either a lab coat, a business suit, or casual clothes. The experimenter will ask the subject to do an embarrassing task. If the subject agrees, that subject will perform the task and then be asked why he or she agreed. If the subject refuses, he or she will be asked why they refused. After the single question, the subject will be dismissed and the experiment will continue. Why is this experiment unethical? How could it be improved?

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Trey Harmon · Answer 1

There are a number of unethical elements in the experimental design. The performance task for the subjects is embarrassing and performed in public. It does not take into account the dignity of the subjects. It does not show respect for the subjects. The subjects were never informed that they were participating in a psychological study. Deception is not necessary for the successful completion of this study. The subjects were never debriefed in the study.