Ethics of Psychological Research (Coursera)

Ethics of Psychological Research (Coursera)

This is primarily aimed at first- and second-year undergraduates interested in psychology, ethics in research methods, and quantitative research methods along with high school students and professionals with similar interests.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

This course is part of the Psychological Research Specialization.

What you'll learn

  • Explain why ethical practices are important in scientific research.
  • Describe guidelines researchers follow for conducting ethical research.
  • Explain necessary components for conducting ethical research with human participants.
  • Explain necessary components for conducting ethical research with nonhuman animals.
  • Describe issues associated with research misconduct.
  • Evaluate ethical issues in research.

Syllabus

Learn With PsycLearn Essentials
Module 1
This module introduces you to your PsycLearn Essentials course. Find out what’s included in this course and how to navigate the modules and lessons. You’ll also learn valuable study tips for successful learning.

Introduction to Ethics in Psychology
Module 2
Welcome and Overview

Background and History
Module 3
Investigate the broad history of ethical concerns in science and the development of ethical codes.

Codes and Enforcement
Module 4
Understand the functions of research ethics codes and some of the bodies that apply them.

Ethical Standards for Using Nonhuman Animals in Research
Module 5
Consider the ethical issues involved in the use of nonhuman animals in scientific research.

Ethical Standards for Using Humans in Research
Module 6
Consider the ethical issues involved in the use of human participants in scientific research.

Analysis and Reporting of Research
Module 7
Consider the ethical issues that may arise in research even after the data are collected.

Cumulative Check Your Understanding: Case Studies in Research Ethics
Module 8
Apply what you have learned in some case studies of ethics in research.

Conclusion
Module 9
Review the course summary.

Course Assessment
Module 10
Complete the final course quiz.

PsycLearn Essentials APA Student Resources
Module 11
This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Get discounted access to Academic Writer, APA’s online tool for writing effectively, as well as valuable advice that will help you develop and strengthen your skillset for learning success and future employment. Additionally, explore resources on various psychological issues. This module also includes APA resources on scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA. You can also view videos that offer tips on dealing with stress.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Unethical Decision Making in Organizations (Coursera) Coursera
University of Lausanne

Unethical Decision Making in Organizations (Coursera)

This course 'Unethical decision making in organizations : A seminar on the dark side of the force' will teach you how strong organizational contexts push good people towards unethical decisions. You will also learn how to protect yourself and your organization against such forces lurking in the dark. This course teaches how narrow frames and strong contexts can push good people towards unethical decisions and how they can protect themselves and their organization against ethical blindness.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
The Arts and Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs (Coursera) Coursera
University of Toronto

The Arts and Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs (Coursera)

This course provides an introduction to: 1- Basic concepts of The Strategies and Skills Learning and Development System (SSLD), their relevance for every day relationships and provide advanced concepts for participants who work in fields of social work and health care. 2- Basic practice principles and methods of SSLD, illustrated by relationship management case studies. 3- The SSLD framework for relationship management assessment; N3C (needs, circumstances, characteristics, capacity) and problem translation. 4- Core competencies in the relationship management application of the SSLD system: Observation learning, simulation, real life implementation, review and monitoring.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
The Bilingual Brain (Coursera) Coursera
University of Houston System

The Bilingual Brain (Coursera)

This course explores the brain bases of bilingualism by discussing literature relevant to differences in age of initial learning, proficiency, and control in the nonverbal, single language and dual-language literature. Participants will learn about the latest research related to how humans learn one or two languages and other cognitive skills.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Building Trust: Ethics for AI-powered Chatbots (Coursera) Coursera
Coursera Instructor Network

Building Trust: Ethics for AI-powered Chatbots (Coursera)

Many organizations with websites are using chatbots to engage with customers. While this strategy has proved profitable and efficient, there are ethical issues that can arise if users are unaware that their interaction is with an AI bot and not a human. This course will take the learner through the evolution of chatbots, so they are equipped with an appropriate sense of incremental improvements.

Nov 2nd 2026
1 Week
The Social Context of Mental Health and Illness (Coursera) Coursera
University of Toronto

The Social Context of Mental Health and Illness (Coursera)

Learn how social factors promote mental health, influence the onset and course of mental illness, and affect how mental illnesses are diagnosed and treated. This course explores how our understanding of mental health and illness has been influenced by social attitudes and social developments in North America and around the world. The course begins by situating our contemporary mental health practices in historical context, then looks at different aspects of mental health, mental illness and mental health services and their connections to what’s going on in our social environment.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Sustainability (Coursera) Coursera
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Introduction to Sustainability (Coursera)

This course introduces the academic approach of Sustainability and explores how today’s human societies can endure in the face of global change, ecosystem degradation and resource limitations. The course focuses on key knowledge areas of sustainability theory and practice, including population, ecosystems, global change, energy, agriculture, water, environmental economics and policy, ethics, and cultural history.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
International Travel Preparation, Safety, & Wellness (Coursera) Coursera
Johns Hopkins University

International Travel Preparation, Safety, & Wellness (Coursera)

Whether you've traveled before or not, living and working overseas can be challenging. Learn how best to prepare and make the most of your time internationally. This course will prepare you to work and live overseas. It explores the epidemiology of common morbidity and mortality among travelers and examines key prevention, safety, and travel medicine principles and services to contextualize risks and maintain wellness.

Nov 9th 2026
4 Weeks
Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (Coursera) Coursera
Politecnico di Milano

Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (Coursera)

This course deals with the problems created, aggravated or transformed by AI. It is intended to give students a chance to reflect on the ethical, social, and cultural impact of AI by focusing on the issues faced by and brought about by professionals in AI but also by citizens, institutions and societies. The course addresses these topics by means of case studies and examples analyzed in the light of the main ethical frameworks.

Nov 9th 2026
4 Weeks
Operational Research for Humanitarians (Coursera) Coursera
University of Geneva

Operational Research for Humanitarians (Coursera)

Evidence is central to good decision-making both in the humanitarian sector and beyond. Every day, a vast amount of evidence is generated that is relevant to humanitarian actors, much of it through research by academics and practitioners. This evidence can be incredibly valuable. It can help us better understand a situation and make humanitarian action more effective and accountable. The difficulty comes with understanding what evidence is relevant to our circumstances, where to find it, and how to assess its quality.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Reasoning Across the Disciplines (Coursera) Coursera
University of North Carolina

Reasoning Across the Disciplines (Coursera)

Critical reasoning skills are a key success factor for students entering their first year of college. They must be able to think logically and form arguments. This course, designed with incoming college freshmen in mind but open to anyone, provides an essential grounding in critical reasoning skills. Faculty from multiple disciplines at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offer guidance on applying critical thinking skills in the context of specific disciplines. By developing these skills, students will learn more, enjoy their courses more, and experience greater academic success.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks