Introductory Psychology Subject Pools: Educational and Ethical Problems.

Seventy-seven of 100 universities from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom were surveyed with regard to educational, methodological, and ethical practices in using introductory psychology subject pools. Survey items were based on dimensions employed by Jung and on newly salient goals of the subject pool as suggested earlier by Miller. Responses of 76 American and Canadian universities were analyzed. Results proved that the publication of ethical guidelines for research has produced a general shift in subject utilization procedures. Universities are shifting to less coercive systems than found in previous surveys. Experimental participation as a requirement, with other options to fulfill that requirement has become the most popular form of subject pool. In general, while most universities appear to be in compliance with ethical standards, the minimal attention to educational value is cause for concern. Also, briefly discussed are matters associated with the advancement of science. (Author/GK)