Why is it important for researchers to avoid putting participants under stress?

It is crucial for researchers to avoid putting participants under stress primarily to maintain ethical standards in research. Ethical guidelines in psychology are designed to protect the well-being of participants, ensuring that their rights and dignity are respected throughout the research process. This includes minimizing potential psychological harm and ensuring that participants are not subjected to unnecessary stress or distress.

When researchers adhere to these ethical standards, they not only safeguard the mental health of their participants but also promote a trustworthy and responsible research environment. If participants experience undue stress, it can lead to negative psychological outcomes, compromising the integrity of the research and potentially invalidating the results.

In contrast, ensuring that the research is interesting, making the results impactful, or filling data requirements does not prioritize participant welfare and can lead to ethical dilemmas. Maintaining ethical standards is the foundational principle that guides researchers in conducting studies that respect and protect individuals involved.