ETHICS

Question 1

Explain ethics.

Answer 1

Ethical Principles and Professional Conduct:

Ethics = standards that guide individuals to identify good, desirable or acceptable conduct.

Role of an Ethics Committee = Otherwise known as Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs).
All formal research must be reviewed and approved by an ethics committee.
Minimum of 8 members, a mix of researchers and non researchers (including community members).

Their responsibilities include
- Deciding if the proposed research meets ethical standards
- Deciding if the researcher is sufficiently experienced/qualified to perform the research
- Monitoring approved research
- Handle any complaints (from participants or the wider community)
- Ensure accountability of the researcher

Question 2

Explain the Ethical Concepts.

Answer 2

Beneficence:
= commitment to maximising benefit and minimising harm

Integrity:
= searching for knowledge, honest in their reporting, and open to scrutiny

Justice:
= there is no unfair burden on a particular group, and there is a fair distribution and access to the benefits

Non-maleficence:
= Protection/avoidance of harm. If there is potential for harm it must be justifiable.

Respect:
= giving due regard to the value of all living things

Question 3

Define the role of the experimenter.

Answer 3

Role of the Experimenter:
= must ensure their research is ethically appropriate so that participants are given the respect and protection that is due to them. They must observe a number of guidelines:

Question 4

List the rights of the participant.

Answer 4

Rights of the Participant: (VIPWDD)
1. Voluntary Participation
2. Informed Consent Procedures
3. Privacy/Confidentiality
4. Withdrawal Rights
5. Debriefing and Deception
6. Do no harm

Question 5

Define Voluntary Participation.

Answer 5

Voluntary Participation:
= Participants must not feel pressured to participate in the study. Nor will they suffer any negative consequences if they choose not to participate.

Question 6

Define Informed Consent Procedures.

Answer 6

Informed Consent Procedures:
= Participants should be fully informed of the true purposes of the research or experiment BEFORE it begins to avoid distress.
Parental/guardian consent must be obtained for those under the legal age or who have an intellectual disability.

Question 7

Define Withdrawal Rights.

Answer 7

Withdrawal Rights:
= Participants must understand the nature of the research and be able to leave the study at any time, without giving a reason.

Question 8

Define Privacy/Confidentiality.

Answer 8

Privacy/Confidentiality:
= Any information gathered about a participant must not be revealed without the participant’s consent. A subject’s name, address etc. should not be revealed.

Question 9

Define the use of Deception in Research.

Answer 9

Use of Deception in Research:
= It is often necessary to deceive participants in order to obtain accurate results. The researcher must ensure that the participant does not suffer distress from this deception and that they are debriefed at the conclusion of the study.

Question 10

Define Debriefing.

Answer 10

Debriefing:
= Involves clarifying participant’s understanding of the research study after it has been completed. This involves correcting any mistaken attitudes or beliefs as well as the provision of information about services the individual can access if they feel unnecessarily distressed.
The participant must also be allowed access to the results of the study – inclusive of procedures, results and conclusions.

Question 11

Define Do No Harm.

Answer 11

Do No Harm
= The researcher must consider and maximise all possible good outcomes while minimising the risks of harm to participants and to the community in general.