doing research in social psychology, part of which addresses ethics in research, deception, is a widely used technique to trick participants into perceiving a situation in the manner we desire so we can learn about human behavior.The concern here will be was this done ethically? You are going to watch a segment from the long running ABC reality show “What Would You Do?”  (fun fact: the producers of this show often use social psychologists as consultants in creating these episodes).  If you are familiar with this show, you know the set up of an episode involves “staging” a social dilemma in a real world setting using actors, and then observing how ordinary and unwitting passersby react.   I  don’t want to act as a “spoiler” here by telling you ahead of time what this episode is about, but trust me there are various reactions from the bystanders.

prompt

Indicate something you believe to be unethical in the segment and WHY

ANSWER

Ethical Considerations in Deception: A Critical Analysis of “What Would You Do?” Segment

Introduction

Deception is a controversial technique often used in social psychology research to study human behavior under controlled conditions. While it offers valuable insights into human responses, its ethical implications are a subject of ongoing debate. The ABC reality show “What Would You Do?” provides an intriguing platform to explore the ethical dimensions of using deception in real-world settings for observational purposes. In this essay, we will critically analyze a segment from the show and discuss an aspect that raises ethical concerns.

The “What Would You Do?” Segment

The chosen segment involves the staged presentation of a social dilemma to unsuspecting passersby, aiming to capture their genuine reactions. This approach, while intriguing, often blurs the boundaries between real-life situations and contrived scenarios. In this specific segment, actors play out a situation that elicits varied responses from bystanders, creating an interesting dynamic for the audience.

Ethical Concern

Informed Consent One ethical concern in the “What Would You Do?” segment revolves around the concept of informed consent. In research involving human subjects, informed consent is a fundamental ethical principle that ensures participants are fully aware of the study’s nature, procedures, and potential risks before participating. In the context of the show, the bystanders are unknowingly thrust into situations that may evoke strong emotional responses.

In this segment, the bystanders are exposed to a scenario designed to evoke reactions and stimulate moral dilemmas. However, these individuals do not have the opportunity to provide informed consent to participate in the staged situation. The lack of informed consent raises ethical concerns about the potential psychological and emotional impact on the bystanders, especially if they find themselves in situations that trigger discomfort or distress.

Why the Lack of Informed Consent is Unethical

Deception: The staged scenarios may deceive participants into believing that they are witnessing real-life events, leading to genuine emotional responses. These reactions can be distressing for individuals who believe they are witnessing a genuine situation.

Emotional Impact: The potential emotional impact of witnessing or participating in a situation without informed consent can lead to negative psychological consequences, including stress, confusion, and anxiety.

Autonomy: Informed consent respects individuals’ autonomy to make informed decisions about their participation. The absence of this consent deprives bystanders of their right to choose whether they wish to engage with the scenario or not.

Conclusion

While “What Would You Do?” offers viewers an intriguing look into human behavior and ethical dilemmas, the lack of informed consent in its staged scenarios raises concerns about the well-being and autonomy of the unsuspecting participants. Deception, even in the name of research or entertainment, must be approached with careful consideration of the potential consequences on individuals’ emotional and psychological well-being. As researchers and media creators, it is essential to balance the pursuit of knowledge with ethical responsibilities to protect the rights and dignity of participants.