Discuss ethical considerations in research into genetic influences on behaviour

Question 1

Ethical considerations in genetic research: What are there in the BLOA? What is this particularly true in? What is it also relevant in? (3)

Answer 1

• specific issues of concern in genetic research
• the search for genes involved in abnormal behaviour
• in research on genetic influence on disease, intelligence, personality, or health

Question 2

Ethical considerations in genetic research: What are the main reasons for concern? (4)

Answer 2

• knowledge about role of specific genes in behaviour = limited = researchers should be careful about making definite conclusions
• genetic research reductionist = does not include environmental factors
• not guaranteed that genetic research projects like Human Genome Project are “ethically neutral” (think eugenics Nazis = misuse of ethically sensible data) = not guaranteed it wont happen again
• gen research into complex behaviour e.g. homosexuality = controversial becuase of the social meaning and significance of homosexuality = could result in stigmatization and discrimination
• search for ‘gay gene’ = general controversy

Question 3

Ethical considerations in genetic research: name the study (1)

Answer 3

• Caspi et al. (2003) Longitudinal study on the possible role of the 5-HTT gene in depression after experiences of stressful events

Question 4

Ethical considerations in genetic research: Caspi et al. (2003) Longitudinal study on the possible role of the 5-HTT gene in depression after experiences of stressful events (6)

Answer 4

• researchers compared participants with a normal 5-HTT and a mutation of the 5-HTT gene with shorter alleles
• both types = quite frequent in human population but long allele = slightly more frequent (57%)
• researchers found that participants who carried a mutation of the 5-HTT gene + who had experienced many stressful events were more likely to become depressed after stressful events vs. those who carried normal 5-HTT gene

Conclusion:

• not clear what to do with knowledge from genetic research and genetic screening at this point - both individual and society
• e.g. being disposed towards depression =/= depression
• screening and knowing result could cause personal distress and have a negative impact on someone’s life e.g. they decide not to have kids

Question 5

Ethical considerations in all genetic research: Describe the DNA profile of humans? Why are MZ twins often used in genetic research? How is genetic research seen? What is it in reality? (4)

Answer 5

• unique except MZ twins who are 100% genetically similar
• one twin controls for the other
• special because it is assumed that genes determine behaviour
• genetic information can only reveal a potential risk

Question 6

Ethical considerations in all genetic research: Anonymity and confidentiality (3)

Answer 6

• in family and twin studies this can be difficult to ensure
• also the case in research on rare disorders
• participants have a right to know who owns the genetic information and how it will be used in future e.g. if access to employment or insurance could be compromised

Question 7

Ethical considerations in all genetic research: Informed consent and the right to refuse/withdraw

Answer 7

• have right to be fully informed
• research into genetic influences on behaviour could potentially pose risks to participants and the genetic information could be misused
• gen research can reveal information that is unexpected/ a source of distress to participants e.g. no sign of disorder but shows genetic predisposition

Question 8

Discuss ethical considerations in research into genetic influences on behaviour

Answer 8

• Ethical considerations in genetic research intro (3)
• Ethical considerations in genetic research main points (4)
• Caspi et al. (2003) Longitudinal study on the possible role of the 5-HTT gene in depression after experiences of stressful events (6)
• Ethical considerations in all genetic research intro (4)
• Ethical considerations in all genetic research (2+5)