Ethics

Question 1

Conflict of interest

Answer 1

The study places researchers in conflict with their research/personal/institutional interests

Question 2

Process of consent

Answer 2

Participant’s free, informed, and ongoing consent throughout the research process

Question 3

Privacy

Answer 3

Right to be free from intrusion of others

Question 4

Confidentiality

Answer 4

Safeguard entrusted information

Question 5

What does the Tri-Council Policy Statement 2 outline?

Answer 5

Outlines ethical conduct for research involving humans.
Most Canadian universities have adopted the ethical guidelines of the TCPS2

Question 6

What are the three core principles of the TCPS 2 that convey the value of human dignity?

Answer 6

Respect for persons
Concern for welfare
Justice
These core principles serve as a foundation to guide all research processes.

Question 7

What are the good practices for research involving Indigenous Peoples of Canada?

Answer 7

Requirement of community engagement.
Respect the culture, traditions, and knowledge of the community.
See research as a partnership.
Mutual benefits in research.
Recognize and consult with knowledge holders.

Question 8

What are the steps in ethical decision making?

Answer 8

1) Develop ethical sensitivity
2) Consult code of ethics
3) Search ethics literature
4) Develop self-awareness
5) Apply ethical principles
6) Develop alternative course of action
7) Consult with colleagues
8) Take action
9) Reflect upon the results of your actions

Question 9

Step 1: Develop Ethical Sensitivity

Answer 9

Identify who are potentially affected by your decision.
Important to realize that there are ethical implications for others, based on the decisions you make

Question 10

Step 3: Search Ethics Literature

Answer 10

Where else might you want to look for guidance?
They may not be directly relevant, but you might be able to extract tidbits of useful information.

Question 10

Step 4: Develop Self-awareness

Answer 10

Consideration of your own personal bias, stress, and self-interest.
You will have to try and very self-aware and objective as a professional for this step.

Question 10

Step 2: Consult the Code of Ethics

Answer 10

Identify relevant articles from the code of ethics.
If your profession/workplace does not have a code of ethics, you can seek out wisdom from the ethical codes of other professions/workplaces.
Ask yourself “what do the codes of ethics in my profession or related professions have to say to guide ethical decision-making?” then seek out the answer.

Question 11

Step 6: Develop Alternative Course of Action

Answer 11

Evaluate the costs/benefits of each action

Question 11

Step 7

Answer 11

Consult with trusted colleagues

Question 12

Step 5: Apply Ethical Principles

Answer 12

Apply the following fundamental ethical principles and theories to the situation: autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, fidelity, veracity

Question 13

Step 8: Take Action

Answer 13

Take action with a commitment to assume responsibility.
In other words, make your decision.
Inform appropriate people and implement the decision.

Question 14

Step 9: Reflect on your Results of your Actions

Answer 14

Evaluate the results of your actions.
This is an extremely important step.

Question 15

Limitations of Codes of Ethics

Answer 15

Application to any one setting/situation is limited.
Professions change rapidly.
Sometimes focus too much on minor issues.
Not step-by-step manuals for responsible behaviour.

Question 16

Application to any one setting/situation is limited.

Answer 16

Members of a professional organization work with diverse populations and a variety of activities.
What may work in one case, might not work in another.

Question 17

Professions change rapidly is a limitation.

Answer 17

What was acceptable in the 1990’s, might not be now, though the code of ethics may not have been updated.
Sometimes codes reflect what can be agreed upon, rather than ethical lead

Question 18

Sometimes focus too much on minor issues is a limitation.

Answer 18

At expense of “big” questions for profession we focus on the more minor questions.

Question 19

Not step-by-step manuals for responsible behaviour.

Answer 19

Lots of grey area.
Codes must be interpreted and applied.
Use own discretion.

Question 20

What are some questions you would ask yourself during the decision making/evaluation process?

Answer 20

Are my action defensible to other professionals?
Have I documented my ethical decision-making process?
Would I act this way in a well-lit room?

Question 21

Why is there a need for ethics in professions?

Answer 21

Health care professions specify and enforce obligations for their members, thereby seeking to ensure that persons who enter into relationships with these professionals will find them competent and trustworthy.
Being an ethical practitioner isn’t as cut and dry as abiding by laws (there are exceptions and grey areas which is exactly what laws are designed to avoid).

Question 22

Ethical Dilemma

Answer 22

A type of ethical issue that arises when the available choices and obligations in a specific situation do not allow for an ethical outcome.
Arise when there is a conflict between ethical principles.

Question 23

Autonomy

Answer 23

Freedom to make one’s own choices and take actions based on one’s own personal values and beliefs.

Question 24

Nonmaleficence

Answer 24

Obligation not to inflict harm upon others.

Question 25

Beneficence

Answer 25

Obligation to act for the benefit of others.

Question 26

Justice

Answer 26

Fair, equitable, and appropriate treatment of others.

Question 27

Fidelity

Answer 27

Fulfilling one’s responsibilities of trust.

Question 28

Veracity

Answer 28

Truthfulness

Question 29

Why are ethical principles important?

Answer 29

These ethical principles play a significant role in shaping most codes of ethics in Kinesiology-related professions, amongst others.