Ethics

Question 1

Identify:

The THREE fundamental principles of ‘ethics’ in scientific research?

Answer 1

1. Respect/Autonomy
2. Beneficence
3. Justice

Question 2

Describe what the principle of Respect/Autonomy outlines in scientific research:

Extra: What are some associated factors with this principle?

Answer 2

This concerns the extent to which people are making informed and reasoned decisions about their participation in/association with a particular study

(i.e. informed consent)

Important factors to consider with this include:
- Whether participants are part of any ‘special populations’ (e.g. have certain disabilities)
- The level of deception required for the study (e.g. hiding your exact hypothesis)
- Are there any risks/rewards potentially influencing a participants ability to make such decisions

Question 3

Describe what the principle of Beneficence outlines in scientific research:

Answer 3

Beneficence essentially describes an aim to simultaneously maximise benefits and reduce harm caused by a study

Question 4

Describe what the principle of Justice outlines in scientific research:

Answer 4

Justice looks at how equitable research is in terms of its risks/benefits for those involved, as well as selection of participants

Inclusion/Exclusion criteria must be
advertised when possible, and based on
research questions or limitations (e.g., age;
gender; socioeconomic status; ethnicity;
sexual orientation)

Question 5

Describe:

How might you address the effects on participants from a need for small amounts of deception during the research process?

Answer 5

Through a debriefing process, including things such as:

• Ensuring availaibility of support services (if required)
• Further information about relevant topics or the study itself (e.g. what your hypothesis was etc.)

This often is seen as a ‘take-home debrief form’

Question 6

Compare & Contrast:

Research Beneficence vs. Participant Beneficence

Answer 6

Research Beneficence essentially relates to whether or not your study is providing benefits such as addressing relevant societal needs or advancing scientific knowledge in meaningful ways. This includes minimising risks surrounding validity and availability of the research itself.

Participant Beneficence concerns things such as whether the study may be educational/enjoyable for participants, if appropriate compensation is provided, and if you are doing everything in your power to protect their right to confidentiality/privacy and from physical/psychological harm.

Question 7

True or False:

“Ethical decisions are not about avoiding all costs and injustices.”

Answer 7

True - they are instead about identifying, justifying, and mitigating any costs/inequities of the research

(Source: PSYC232 ‘Ethics’ Slides)

Question 8

Identify:

What are VUW’s Four ‘P’s for research involving Maori people?

Answer 8

1. Partnership
2. Protection
3. Participation
4. Practice

1. Working alongside Maori people in studies that directly affects them
2. Protecting rights
3. Maori participants get to play an active role / have influence on design/process
4. Providing space for any cultural norms, customs, or methodologies

Question 9

Compare & Contrast:

How is morality different to ethics?

(In scientific research)

Answer 9

Morality concerns personal values and judgements you might make throughout the study, whereas ethics are a ‘set of standards’ for research determined by official committess/associations in their fields

Note: ethical standards are adaptive/dynamic.

Moreover, just because something is technically ‘ethically sound’, you as a researcher may choose not to do/include it if it goes against your morals in certain situations