Sally is a school psychologist who is conducting a study on pre‐adolescent depression. She sends a letter home to the parents informing them about her research project:
"My name is Sally Jenkins, and I am the school psychologist for North Middle Elementary. I am studying depression in pre‐adolescence and I am in the process of developing a questionnaire about depression that I will be distributing in your child's Grade 6 math class next Friday (September 30). I have already obtained permission from the math teacher, a friend of mine, who has agreed that it will not take away from the curriculum, since it would only have been a review class anyway. If your son or daughter scores high on my depression questionnaire, I will notify you, so that the appropriate steps can be taken. If you do not wish your child to be included in the study, please let me know by Thursday September 29^th by returning this letter to the school with the words permission denied clearly written across the top. Thank you. Sally Jenkins, School Psychologist."
Is Sally in violation of the APA ethics code in any way? If so, what is the nature of her violation(s) and why is she at fault? What would have been the appropriate way to proceed?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is This is an example of obtaining "passive permission" from the parents. Sally does not have permission from administration to conduct the study or any IRB approval. Sally has neglected to get child assent. The scale that Sally is "developing" has issues of validity and reliability. Sally has not informed parents or children of risks and benefits.

Sally Is a School Psychologist Who Is Conducting a Study