Ethics and Politics Flashcards
Why do we do ‘human subjects’ reviews of all potential research projects?
Because of problems in the past, especially in medical research.
Explain: The Tuskegee Study
Bad medical research. 1930-1972. Black men with syphilis weren’t told they had syphilis. They were entered into the study without informed consent. They exposed their wives and children to the disease. Many of the men died.
Explain: The Stanford Prison Study
Bad social science research. Dr. Philip Zimbardo. 24 male university students made a mock prison. Prisoners were abused, segregated, bullied, afraid. Mental anguish. Lacked after care/debriefing of students.
T/F: Research studies are not allowed to cause harm to some, and must have immediate benefits for the participants.
False. Research can still cause harm to some or no benefit to the participants, as long as the overall benefit to society outweighs the costs in the long run.
What are the 4 expected elements that today’s research studies must contain to be ethical?
- Informed consent
- Anonymity/Confidentiality
- Right to knowledge of findings
- Right to remedial services
Explain: Research Ethics Board (REB)
All types of research/fields have one, especially if they want access to government funds. A panel of minimum 5 people, who are trained in the basics of good research and ethics, rules to counter bias. They review all research proposal by those in that institution. Adds to the trustworthiness of the research design.
Should controversial research be avoided?
No. Controversy stirs discussion of difficult topics. New knowledge is generated.
Define/explain: tenure
Job security for senior professors (6+ years of being a junior professor). They can’t be fired for controversial research. Was developed to protect professors, allows them to explore important research that may be looked down on.
