Case Study #4

A social psychology researcher wanted to use a test instrument called "Study of Basic Attitudes" to see if attitudes are related to scholastic achievement. A group of participants from a small liberal arts college reported to a psychology investigator to complete the attitude scale. When the participants arrived the principal investigator was absent. Because the test was simple to administer – in effect, it was self-administering – the experimenter decided to have the secretary administer it. The secretary had no formal background in psychometrics but was briefed in the proper procedures for the administration of the test. Following the collection of data, the psychologist discussed the test and its results with the participants.

1. Is the procedure questionable from an ethical standpoint?