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The Open University

Psychological research, obedience and ethics

The Open University via OpenLearn

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Overview

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In this free course, Psychological research, obedience and ethics, you will learn about the importance of ethics in research that is undertaken by psychologists. You will read about the famous study on obedience conducted by Stanley Milgram, and watch two psychologists talk about their research with meerkats and chimpanzees.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Milgram’s obedience study
  • 1 Milgram’s obedience study
  • 1.1 The set-up
  • 1.2 The results
  • 1.3 The variations
  • 1.4 Summary
  • 2 Milgram’s study and ethics
  • 2 Milgram’s study and ethics
  • 2.1 Ethics
  • 2.2 The case against Milgram
  • 2.3 The case for the defence
  • 2.4 The judgement
  • 2.5 Summary
  • Activity 1: Ethics in psychological research
  • Research ethics
  • Task: Is it ethical?
  • Study 1
  • Study 2
  • Study 3
  • Summary
  • Activity 2: Researching animals and humans
  • Introduction
  • The ethics of animal research
  • Task 1: Evaluating the ethics of research
  • Different animals, different guidelines
  • Task 2: Reflecting on different species
  • Animal research and the law
  • Summary
  • Activity 3: Researching animals
  • Conclusion
  • Glossary
  • References
  • Acknowledgements

Tags

Reviews

4.6 rating, based on 9 Class Central reviews

4.7 rating at OpenLearn based on 39 ratings

Start your review of Psychological research, obedience and ethics

  • Profile image for Enrique Enriquez
    Enrique Enriquez @EEnriquez
    17
    This free course delivered precisely what was outlined in its description, offering clear, structured content on psychological research ethics. The stated duration was accurate, allowing for efficient time management, and the certificate of completion was available on demand as promised. The material was well-organized and informative, with practical examples that enhanced understanding. Overall, the experience was highly positive—professionally presented, accessible, and aligned with expectations. I would recommend it to anyone seeking foundational insight into ethical standards in psychology, especially those pursuing credential-based learning or academic enrichment.
  • Profile image for Haris Nawaz
    Haris Nawaz @harry57
    3
    It has been a great experience to opt for such an insgihtful course. The course included a comprehensive knowledge of theories of personalities, learning and much more. it has a great deal of techniques that one can learn to adapt during their pursuits as a reasearcher. The course mainly revoloved around the research techniques and research ethics. i stronly recommend this course for all those who are seeking guidance in research in psychology.
  • Antonio Pereira De Oliveira Filho
    E um curso exelente, onde aprendi muito com um material de alta qualidade, só e um pouco dificil mexer no site um pouco complicado
  • Shivalika Dixit
    1
    Helpful for beginners because of its layman language. The content is comprehensive as well as well structured.
  • Profile image for Amina Clinical Psychologist
    Amina Clinical Psychologist
    It was really informative , i was also get to know about ethics of non human species as well. Very well explained
  • Profile image for BHAVESH JANGID
    BHAVESH JANGID
    1
    very awesome and very valuable course it was and it will help me a lot in real life experience and i will thank to University for providinf such a valuable course for free
  • Profile image for Jerick John Taguiam
    Jerick John Taguiam
    This course is awesome. It enables us to become more engage in psychological researches and understand its importance to our way of living. The best thing that I learned is the fact that Humans can never call themselves supreme at all times compared to other species.

    Its just humbling...
  • Anonymous
    good for beginners and the content is verified though it is not updated, activities are great they explain very answer very well
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