A Psychology Graduate Student Is Employed as a Research Assistant

question 40

Multiple Choice

A psychology graduate student is employed as a research assistant in a psychological experiment involving deception. In studying the research plan, she notices that no debriefing is planned. What should she do?

• A) She has a responsibility to raise the question with the principal investigator and see that it is resolved.
• B) Because she is not in charge of the project, she has no ethical responsibility and should do nothing.
• C) Although she has no ethical responsibility, she should suggest that the investigator look into the ethical question but should not pursue the matter any further.
• D) She should resign her assistantship in order to protect her ethical position.

---

Definitions:

Phallic Stage

A phase in Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development, occurring from ages three to six, where the libido’s focus is on the genital organs.

Penis Envy

A controversial psychoanalytic theory proposed by Freud that suggests girls experience anxiety and feelings of inferiority upon realizing they do not have a penis.

Promiscuous

Describes someone who has many casual sexual partners or engages in sexual activities with a variety of partners without seeking emotional connection.

Fixated

An intense focus or attachment to a person, object, or concept, often at the expense of a broader or more adaptive interaction.