Abstract

This contribution presents the results of a survey proposed by the Ethics Committee of Italian Psychological Association (AIP) aimed at investigating psychological researches’ practices related to research ethics as well as their educational experience on the same topic. An on-line survey was proposed on the AIP website to all the members, and also non-member psychological researchers were involved through personal contacts in all Italian University and research institutes. Questions regarding their educational experience about research ethics in psychology, knowledge of the Local Ethical Boards and their use, understanding the ‘why’ and «why not» concerning the use/non-use of them, and finally researchers’ difficulties in submitting a request to the Local Ethical Board. 560 researchers took part in the survey (about 24% of all researchers working in the Italian universities), and 85% of these respondents were AIP members. Overall, results bring out a positive picture, with a gradual spread both of ethical issues and of educational experiences on research ethics. This contribution aims to promote a discussion about the choices related to outstanding issues concerning research ethics in psychology.This first presentation includes the two first comments as well. Valentina Grazia (Ph.D. student) explores the issue of ethical values that must distinguish researchers, as opposed to formal compliance with the rules and regulations in this regard. Santo Di Nuovo (President of AIP), on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of recognizing rights and respect even for participants who, for different reasons, do not express or are unable to personally express consent.