A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What ethical concern is raised regarding Freud's research?

1. Lack of consent from the child

2. Invaded privacy of the participant

3. Participants were not debriefed

4. Use of deception in the study

The correct answer is: Invaded privacy of the participant

The ethical concern regarding Freud's research that specifically highlights the invasion of privacy relates to how Freud, particularly in his case studies such as the infamous Little Hans study, often collected sensitive and personal information without fully considering the implications for the individuals involved. This concern is heightened by the intimate details of their lives and family dynamics that Freud analyzed, raising issues about the extent to which participants were aware of the information being shared and how it would be used. Freud's methods often involved observations and interpretations that penetrated deeply into the private lives of his subjects. This approach can be seen as problematic from an ethical standpoint, as it may lead to a lack of respect for the autonomy and dignity of the individuals involved. Concerns about privacy also tie into the broader ethical principles of psychological research, emphasizing the need for researchers to protect the confidentiality and anonymity of their subjects. In contrast, the other options highlight different aspects of ethical concerns. For instance, lack of consent and debriefing may apply to other research contexts but are not as directly applicable to Freud's methodology in a traditional sense. The use of deception can also be relevant but does not directly capture the privacy invasion characteristic of Freud's practices. Thus, the focus on invasion of privacy accurately reflects a significant ethical concern