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

Gamification (Coursera) Coursera
University of Pennsylvania

Gamification (Coursera)

Gamification is the application of game elements and digital game design techniques to non-game problems, such as business and social impact challenges. This course will teach you the mechanisms of gamification, why it has such tremendous potential, and how to use it effectively.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Professional Responsibility and Ethics for Accountants (Coursera) Coursera
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Professional Responsibility and Ethics for Accountants (Coursera)

Accountants perform a wide variety of activities which include, but are not limited to, accounting, auditing, tax, management consulting, and financial management. However, a professional accountant’s responsibility is not exclusively to satisfy the needs of an employer or professional services client. One of the distinguishing characteristics of the accounting profession is its acceptance of the responsibility to act in the public interest.

Nov 9th 2026
4 Weeks
Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing (Coursera) Coursera
Yale University

Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing (Coursera)

Everyday Parenting gives you access to a toolkit of behavior-change techniques that will make your typical day in the home easier as you develop the behaviors you would like to see in your child. The lessons provide step-by-step instructions and demonstrations to improve your course of action with both children and adolescents.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Psychology of Popularity (Coursera) Coursera
University of North Carolina

Psychology of Popularity (Coursera)

The level of popularity you experienced in childhood and adolescence is still affecting you today in ways that you may not even realize. Learn about how psychologists study popularity and how these same concepts can be used in adulthood to be more successful at work, become better parents, and have a happier life.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 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
Intellectual Humility: Science (Coursera) Coursera
University of Edinburgh

Intellectual Humility: Science (Coursera)

It’s clear that the world needs more intellectual humility. But how do we develop this virtue? And why do so many people still end up so arrogant? Do our own biases hold us back from becoming as intellectually humble as we could be—and are there some biases that actually make us more likely to be humble? Which cognitive dispositions and personality traits give people an edge at being more intellectually humble - and are they stable from birth, learned habits, or something in between? And what can contemporary research on the emotions tell us about encouraging intellectual humility in ourselves and others?

Nov 9th 2026
4 Weeks
Schizophrenia (Coursera) Coursera
Wesleyan University

Schizophrenia (Coursera)

The main goal of this class are to gain an introductory exposure to the nature of the psychiatric disorder known as schizophrenia as revealed by the scientific method. We will discuss a broad range of findings from the scientific investigation of biological and psychological factors related to schizophrenia and its treatment.

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
Psicología de la Percepción (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad de Palermo

Psicología de la Percepción (Coursera)

¿Cómo funcionan nuestros sentidos para ayudarnos a dar sentido y responder a nuestro entorno? ¿La percepción es un reflejo “fiel” del ambiente que nos rodea? ¿En qué se diferencia una alucinación de una percepción normal? ¿Cómo se relacionan los avances neurocientíficos con las teorías psicológicas clásicas de la percepción? ¿Cómo influyen la memoria, la atención y las expectativas en lo que percibimos?

Nov 9th 2026
3 Weeks