ethics Flashcards
What is ethics defined as?
Ethics is a body of principles governing right and wrong.
You cannot put the research study above the responsibility to maintain well-being of participants.
Who reviews ethical standards?
Institutional boards where the research is to be conducted review proposals against national standard
a. For Canada: tri-council policy statement (TCPS-2)
b. For UPEI:
i. UPEI research ethics board
ii. UPEI Animal Care committee policies and procedures
iii. UPEI biosafety committee
What research must undergo ethical review?
Anything that is published (distributed) must undergo ethical review
a. Research greater than “minimal risk” must have full REB review (meeting)
i. Does not include:
1. Quality assurance studies,
2. Performance reviews
3. Testing within the normal educational requirements
4. Practicums already covered by professional code of ethics
b. Developing research skills through activities involving human participants requires departmental level review.
Explain the research review process
Research which obviously involves no more than minimal risk
a. If potential subjects can reasonably be expected to regard the probability of possible harms implied by participation in the research to be no greater than those encountered in aspects of everyday life that relate to the research, then the research can be regarded as within the range of minimal risk
What are the 6 ethical standards?
a. Respect for human dignity
i. Respect for autonomy
b. Respect for vulnerable persons
i. Those without autonomy to consent for themselves
c. Respect for free and informed consent
i. Reduces the likelihood of exploitation
d. Provision for privacy and confidentiality
i. Determines the time, extent and circumstances under which private information is shared
e. Respect for justice (fair treatment) and inclusiveness
i. Select participants according to research problem rather than convenience (treating everyone fair)
f. Minimizing harm and maximizing benefit
i. Freedom from harm, protection from discomfort, embarrassment, or risks.
How can respect for human dignity be violated?
Human dignity is violated by:
a. Coercion - forcing people to participate in the experiment
b. Deception - fraud or hiding the truth
What are examples of people without autonomy to consent for themselves?
a. Children under 16
b. Person with disabilities
c. Older adults
d. Captive individuals
e. Dying
How to deal with consent issues in children?
- Young children: parent consent; child assent
- Older children must provide consent themselves
Every constructive attempt should be made to seek the consent of the child
Who has responsibility to protect school attendees?
School boards have responsibility to protect school attendees
a. In pei and others school boards have internal REB process to vet research
Explain how to conduct research in Aboriginal communities
Researchers must first consult with formal leaders of the territory or administrators of the settlement agreement
Researchers should consider entering into research agreements with communities who have already adopted ethical codes to clarify expectations and commitments
( Many communities will have their own ethics review protocol prior to engaging )
To ensure respect for free and informed consent make sure that subjects ……
a. Enter research at their own free will
b. Understand the nature of the study and any risks
What is anonymity?
Identity cannot be linked with responses
What is confidentiality?
Anything learned about the participant is held in strict confidence; unauthorized access to private information is limited
Why is online research often seen as an ethical issue?
There are concerns about consent and confidentiality with online research
(Electronic consent if 18+ years promotes minimal risk)
