3. Research Ethics

Question 1

Research ethics must be addressed in which stage of the study and kept in mind in which stage of the study?

Answer 1

addresses in the initial stages and kept in mind in every phase

Question 2

First priority of a social researcher

Answer 2

ensure that the people being studied are not harmed by their participation.

Question 3

Knowledge is of secondary interest to…

Answer 3

…participant safety

Question 4

Risk assessment is a key feature of all research. Researchers must constantly balance between…

Answer 4

…potential gain & risk of harm

Question 5

REB

Answer 5

research ethics board

Question 6

Why do we need a REB (tri-council policy statement)?

Answer 6

The policy is due to inadvertent harm caused to participants, the researcher may not recognized all the risks, and there has been a long history of unethical research which has resulted in more stringent REBs.

Question 7

What are three things REBs can do?

Answer 7

1. approve
2. require modifications
3. reject a study

Question 8

Ethics approval for quantitative work (4)

Answer 8

Considered by some to be easier to obtain

Stated hypothesis and specific plan for testing

Data gathered from one person at a time

Some REBs favour quantitative work bc it is considered more scientific

Question 9

Ethics approval for qualitative work (2)

Answer 9

Flexibility for emerging themes means indeterminate methods

May capture data on people that would not want their activities observed

Question 10

What are the three core principles of research ethics?

Answer 10

1. respect for persons
2. concern for welfare
3. justice

Question 11

What core principle states: Research subjects are not “objects” or resources to be used for some end, and individuals Individuals have basic human rights that include dignified treatment by researchers.

Answer 11

Respect for persons

Question 12

what is part of “respect for persons”? (3)

Answer 12

1. informed consent
2. information sheet that outlines research
3. consent form: prospective participant must have the ability to understand + consent

Question 13

Reactive Effect

Answer 13

participants know they are being observed for specific purposes

Question 14

Use of Deception (4)

Answer 14

Deception can be seen as problematic.
Deception must be clearly justified.
Debriefing is important asap
Deception must be used as last resort and sparingly

Question 15

what core principle is: concerned with the well-being of person, group, community affected by the research. Seeks to avoid harm, embarrassment, and inadvertent identification

Answer 15

concern for welfare

Question 16

what is part of “concern for welfare”?

Answer 16

• identity and privacy issues
• confidentiality
• random response technique
• duty to report on child abuse/crime
• mandatory reporting rules should be told to participants before they participate

Question 17

What core principle considers that burdens and benefits of research should be spread evenly across society and that no person or group should be exploited or systematically excluded for research?

Answer 17

justice

Question 18

What is part of “justice”? (2)

Answer 18

• Principle of no harm should be followed
• In practice, potential harm should not outweigh the potential benefits

Question 19

What must the research be to convince the REB?

Answer 19

• sound
• ethical
• do not harm participants
• make contribution to knowledge