The world is full of questions. People are constantly looking for answers. People read, explore, and investigate to find answers. Researchers are professionals who search for answers, but they are governed by rules and regulations on how to set up studies to find answers. Ethics are the guidelines or standards used by researchers when setting up a study. Ethical research studies follow guidelines established by the American Psychological Association (APA). They must understand the concept of risk/benefit. One of the ethical guidelines explored in this article is informed consent and its impact on psychological research. Under the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and the APA Code of Conduct, Section 8.02 explains informed consent. Research is important, but guidelines are needed to protect researchers and participants and to ensure that results are valid and reliable. EthicsMany refer to ethics as the moral stature of what a person believes to be right or wrong. Ethics helps a reasonable person refrain from doing what society considers wrong, such as murder or rape, and other wrongdoings, and it influences morals, beliefs, and principles. Ethics is a logical and rational standard of right and wrong that guides a human being in determining what he or she should do. Ethical standards include accepted fundamental rights, obligations, value to society, objectivity, justice, or specific moralities. Ethics includes qualities such as honesty, compassion and loyalty as well as rights such as the right to life and the right to privacy. Ethical standards are supported by coherent and reasoned explanations. Ethics is a continuing study of oneself to ensure that one's standards are reasonable, practical, and consistent...... middle of document ...... ensure that the participant is informed of all aspects of the study, the risks involved, and debrief with them once the study is completed. Research is important, but guidelines must be followed to ensure that the participant knows all aspects of the study and is a willing and informed participant. Works Cited American Psychological Association. (2011). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. Retrieved from http://http//:www.apa.org/ethic/code/index.aspxPranati, P. Perspectives in Clinical Research, 1(4), 124-127. doi:10.4103/2229-3485.71769 Sand, K., Kaasa, S. and Loge, JH AJOB Primary Research, 1(2), 4-24. doi:10.1080/1080/21507711003771405Shaughnessy, JJ, Zechmeister, EB, & Zechmeister, JS (2009). Research Methods in Psychology (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Research Methods in Psychology (8th ed.). New York, New York: McGraw-Hill.