Experimental psychologist as advocate or impartial educator.

An important ethical issue surrounds the role of experimental psychologists as experts, namely, whether the expert psychologist should assume the role of advocate or impartial educator. In actual practice, a number of concrete dilemmas arise. These concern the external validity of the studies, the omission of information, and the conducting of special purpose studies, among others. Problems arise whether one plays the role of an advocate or an educator, for which the APA Ethical Principles provide little guidance. A Darwinian (survival of the fittest expert) approach is suggested as a temporary remedy.