Coercion

Definition

Coercion refers to the practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats, undermining their free will and autonomy. In the context of research, especially in abnormal psychology, coercion raises serious ethical concerns, as participants should voluntarily consent to take part in studies without any pressure or manipulation. This concept is crucial for ensuring that research is conducted ethically and that participants are protected from harm and exploitation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coercion can occur in various forms, including psychological pressure, financial incentives, or threats, making it a significant concern in research ethics.
2. Participants must be given clear information about the study and any potential risks before agreeing to participate to prevent coercion.
3. Ethical guidelines typically prohibit coercion, emphasizing the importance of voluntary participation in all types of research.
4. In studies involving vulnerable populations (like those with mental illness), the risk of coercion is heightened, necessitating extra protections.
5. If coercion is identified in a study, it can lead to severe consequences for the researchers involved, including loss of funding and damage to their professional reputation.

Review Questions

• How does coercion undermine the principles of informed consent in psychological research?
  • Coercion directly undermines informed consent by compromising a participant's ability to make a voluntary decision about their involvement in a study. When individuals feel pressured or threatened to participate, they cannot fully understand or agree to the terms of the study freely. This lack of true choice can lead to ethical violations, as participants may engage in research that could potentially harm them without genuine willingness or comprehension of risks involved.
• Discuss the implications of coercion on vulnerable populations in psychological research.
  • Coercion poses significant risks for vulnerable populations, such as individuals with mental health disorders or those facing economic hardships. These groups may be more susceptible to pressure due to their circumstances, which can lead to exploitation and an ethical breach in research practices. It is essential for researchers to implement safeguards that ensure voluntary participation and protect these individuals from being coerced into studies that could exploit their vulnerabilities.
• Evaluate how adherence to ethical guidelines regarding coercion can enhance the integrity of psychological research.
  • Adhering to ethical guidelines regarding coercion significantly enhances the integrity of psychological research by fostering trust between researchers and participants. When studies prioritize voluntary participation and informed consent, it not only protects participants' rights but also improves the quality of data collected. Ethical practices help mitigate bias and ensure that findings accurately reflect genuine behaviors and attitudes rather than results influenced by coercive tactics. This commitment to ethics ultimately contributes to the credibility and reliability of research outcomes in abnormal psychology.

Related terms

Informed Consent: The process by which participants are fully informed about the nature of a study and voluntarily agree to participate, ensuring they understand what is involved.

Exploitation: Taking unfair advantage of someone, often through coercive tactics or manipulation, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Research Ethics: A set of guidelines designed to protect the rights and welfare of research participants, ensuring that studies are conducted fairly and responsibly.