What are the key ethical principles for psychological research with human participants?

The American Psychological Association requires informed consent where participants know the study's purpose, procedures, and risks before agreeing; the right to withdraw at any time without penalty; confidentiality of personal data; minimal deception used only when necessary and followed by debriefing where the true purpose is explained; and protection from physical and psychological harm. Institutional Review Boards, or IRBs, must approve all research involving human subjects before data collection begins.