Gathering information from convicted offenders presents both practical and ethical challenges. Practically, offenders may lie or withhold information to gain early release, glorify their crimes, or protect themselves, their families, or criminal groups. Ethically, talking about crimes could be therapeutic for some but distressing for others, and offenders have the same human rights as other research participants, including the rights to withdraw, privacy, and debriefing. The information provided could also potentially lead to distress if offenders fear it being used to convict others.

1. E2b2 Gathering
information from
convicted offenders
PRACTICAL AND ETHICAL PROBLEMS OF GATHERING INFORMATION
FROM CONVICTED OFFENDERS.

2. Practical problems
May use research as a way of gaining early release. This might lead to results that are dishonest
rather than truthful.
Might try to glorify their crimes and make them feel more important than they are. Making the
findings from the study useless.
Might feel guilty about their crimes and uncomfortable talking about what they have done.
Could fear the information given could be used to convict another criminal so would fear
retribution from the other criminal.
Withhold information to protect themselves, their families or their criminal group.

3. Ethical Problems
Talking about their crimes could be therapeutic to some, but it could also be threatening to
others
◦ Criminals who are used to psychological research should not be treated any differently to non-criminals.
◦ Criminals, ex-criminals and prisoners have the same human rights as any other member of society.
◦ The same as any other participant they should have
◦ The right to withdraw
◦ The right to privacy
◦ The right to debrief
◦ Might feel guilty about their crimes and uncomfortable talking about them.
◦ Could lead t distress if they think the information they give can be used to convict another criminal as
they might think they will take revenge.
◦ Look back over pages 44, 106, 142 and 152 to see the relevant ethical issues to all participants in
Psychology. Make a note of these.

4. Questions
Answer Question and quick checks A and B.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vlk_sRU49TI