Lecture 3: Intro To Ethics

Question 0

How to assess an ethical theory (6)

Answer 0

• be internally consistent
• clear and complete
• apply Occam’s Razor
• have explanatory and predictive power
• theory’s implication should be reconcilable with our experience and our institutions
• should provide us with guidance about what to do and help us deal with ethical dilemmas

Question 1

Two main branches of ethical theories

Answer 1

• Meta-Ethics: determining the nature of ethical claims; objective, subjective, emotive
• Normative ethics: providing statements of principles according to which one can make, explain and justify ethical decisions

Question 2

Consequentialism

Answer 2

• right action is the one that produces the right consequences
  : utilitarianism: the greatest good for the greatest number

Question 3

Deontology

Answer 3

• Focuses on duty, moral obligation, rights, motives or intentions
• from different sources; social roles, professional roles, reason itself (universalisability - Kant)
• morally right is that which conforms with the categorical imperative
• treat ppl as ends in themself
• objection on choosing which actions are universalisable

Question 4

Virtue ethics

Answer 4

• The good action is the action that flows from a good character
  : focuses on developing a virtuous character
  : differs in being agent-centered, rather than act-centered
• objections: right virtue may vary, not enough guidance on acts

Question 5

4 principles of ethical research conduct as set our my the National Statement

Answer 5

• research merit and integrity
• justice
• beneficence
• respect

Question 6

Research merit

Answer 6

• justifiable by its potential benefit
• uses methods appropriate for achieving its aims
• based on study of current literature and precious research
• conduct by persons with appropriate expertise

Question 7

Research integrity

Answer 7

Researchers being committed to;

• searching for knowledge and understanding
• following recognized principles of research conduct
• disseminating both favorable and unfavorable results

Question 8

Justice

Answer 8

• scope and objectives of proposed research
• fair recruitment
• just reporting of results
• no unfair burden on participants
• no exploitation of participants
• fair access to benefits of research

Question 9

Beneficence

Answer 9

• benefits of research must outweigh risk to participants
• design the research to minimize risks to participants
• clarify potential benefits and risks
• be responsible for the welfare if participants
• if participants won’t benefit, the risks should be lower than would be ethically acceptable if they did

Question 10

Respect

Answer 10

• for intrinsic vale of humans
• involves due regard for welfare, benefits, perceptions, customs and cultural heritage of individuals and communities involved
• respect privacy, confidentiality and cultural sensitivities
• autonomy of participants or if not autonomous, involves empowering them if possible and providing for their protection

Question 11

Determining risk

Answer 11

• low risk involves activities where the participants are unlikely to suffer burden or harm
• studies must not present any more than what could be considered a minimal risk and/or burden to participants
• risks to participants include not only physical risks, but also psychological, spiritual, and social harm or distress
• burdens may include research that is intrusive, cause discomfort, inconvenience or embarrassment for the participants

Question 12

The APS Code of Ethics

Answer 12

1. Respect for the rights and dignity of people and people’s
   - respect for dignity & rights
   - justice
2. Propriety
   - beneficence
   - non-maleficence (including competence)
   - responsibility
3. Integrity
   - good character
   - trust
   - impact of behavior on the profession

Question 13

What is human research?

Answer 13

• surveys, interviews or focus groups
• undergoing psych, physiological or medical testing or treatment
• being observed
• researchers having access to personal documents or other materials
• collection and use of their body organs, tissues or fluids or exhaled breath
• access to info (in identifiable, re-identifiable or non-identifiable form) as part of an existing published or unpublished source or database

Question 14

What constitutes low-risk?

Answer 14

• activities where participants are unlikely to suffer burden or harm
• must not present any more than what could be considered a minimal risk and/or burden to participants. Risks not only include physical but psychological, spiritual, and social harm or distress. Burdens may include research that is intrusive, causes discomfort, inconvenience or embarrassment for the participants

Question 15

What is quality assurance (QA)?

Answer 15

• data collection conducted for the purposes of the partner organisation only; may not publish at any stage.
• do not require Human Research Ethics Committee approval; however they are nonetheless to be carried out in an ethical manner
• results for informational purposes only
• if results are made public by the partner then they would be published explicitly as QA
• students who have assisted must be acknowledged in the release of results