3.1 Ethics Flashcards
Human research ethics rest on four basic values
Respect
Research merit and integrity
Justice
Beneficence
Respect:
A recognition of human being’s intrinsic value.
Includes abiding by the values of research merit and integrity, justice and beneficence
Regard for the welfare, beliefs, perceptions, customs and cultural heritage, both individual and collective, of those involved in research
Informed consent ensures participants aware of the risks and benefits of participating in the study; may be written or oral; be aware of cultural constraints, literacy, etc.
Can withdraw at any stage without penalty
Respect privacy and ensure confidentiality
Afford special protection for vulnerable participants
Research has merit when…
It is:
justifiable by its potential benefit,
designed or developed using appropriate methods for achieving the aims of the proposal
Based on a thorough review of current literature
Designed to ensure respect for participants is not compromised
conducted or supervised by persons or teams with experience, qualifications and competence that are appropriate for the research
Conducted using facilities and resources appropriate for the research
Research has integrity if…
Researchers have commitment to searching for knowledge and understanding
Following recognised principles of research conduct
Conduct research honestly
disseminating and communicating results, in ways that permit scrutiny and contribute to public knowledge and understanding
Justice
Research should contribute to knowledge base
Participants in research should share in any benefits arising out of the research
Process of recruiting participants is fair
There is no exploitation of participants in the conduct of research
Research outcomes should be made accessible to research participants in a way that is timely and clear
Beneficence
Principle of ‘first do no harm’ ; researcher responsible for participant’s physical, mental and social well-being
Minimise risk to participants
Avoid deception in design and implementation; e.g. observation techniques (hidden cameras)
The likely benefit of the research must justify any risks of harm or discomfort to participants.
Clarifying for participants the potential benefits and risks of the research; and the welfare of the participants in the research context.
What are some issues when researching vulnerable people in relation to confidentiality?
Anonymity
Disclosure
Sensitivity to people experiencing marginalisation and stigmatisation
What are three issues in particular when conducting research of vulnerable people?
Informed consent
Confidentiality
Risk and harm issues
Vulnerable People
Individuals who are marginalised and discriminised in society due to their social positions based on class, ethnicity, gender, age, illness, disability and sexual preferences. Often, they are difficult to reach and require special considerations when they are involved in research. The term is also used to refer to people who are difficult to access in societies.
What are some issues when researching vulnerable people in relation to informed consent?
disempowerment
understanding
language and cultural factors
learning difficulties
relationships
What are some issues when researching vulnerable people in relation to harm and risk?
Exposure to unintended dangers
disclosure of illegal activities
psychological and emotional distress.
Ethical considerations (8)
Minimise harm
Right to withdraw
Confidentiality
Context
Informed consent
Respect
Culture
Beneficence
