3364 - ETHICS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Session: 3359 - HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS CHANGING PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE: ETHICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS
AUTHORS:
Childress-Beatty Lindsay (American Psychological Association ~ Washington, DC ~ United States of America)
Abstract text:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming psychological science, offering new tools for research design, data collection, and analysis. At the same time, these innovations raise complex ethical questions that require careful consideration by the field. This presentation will examine the ethical challenges and opportunities posed by the integration of AI into psychological research. Broad ethical considerations will be explored, including the potential bias in AI systems, global fairness and equity issues, deskilling and pipeline issues, and the possible impact on research integrity, as aspects of research are increasingly automated using AI. This presentation will also highlight how the APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct provides guidance for the ethics of emerging research practices that involve AI. Particular attention will be paid to issues of transparency and informed consent, confidentiality and privacy, data security, and accountability when researchers employ AI-based tools such as large language models or machine learning algorithms. The responsibilities of psychologists to maintain competence as technology evolves will also be considered. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how psychologists can balance innovation with ethical responsibility, ensuring that the use of AI advances science while protecting participants and upholding public trust. This session will equip psychological scientists with the tools to navigate the ethical landscape of AI in research responsibly and effectively.