Research ethics

Question 1

What are ethics?

Answer 1

• Set of values, norms, regulations that help constitute and regulate scientific activity
• BPS
• Good research is only possible if there is mutual respect and trust between investigators and participants

Question 2

Why do we need research ethics?

Answer 2

• Often conduct research on human participants
• Might conduct rs on sensitive topics that can be traumatising
• Research may cause discomfort
• Might involve deception
• Marginalised or minoritized groups may be particularly vulnerable to harm

Question 3

What are some examples of violations of ethical principles?

Answer 3

1960s radioactive roti study
- gave non native English speakers roti containing radioactive substances (didn’t know what they were signing up for)

Henrietta lacks 1951
- woman had cancer, researchers took cells without her consent as they would not die in a petri dish
- these cells are still used today in vaccines

USPHS untreated syphilis study at Tuskegee 1932-1975
- deliberately left syphilis untreated to see what would happen

Guatemalan STD studies 1946-1948
- deliberately gave soldiers STDs

Question 4

Explain the case study of repressed memory

Answer 4

• Participant consented to use of interviews on condition of anonymity
• Researcher hired PI to delve into PPs life, published articles questioning the PPs account of their abuse (tracked down abuser and interviewed them, interviewed step brother who had suffered an accident and had significant brain damage
• Participant was bankrupted, lost possessions, while researcher is still considered a stellar and well respected researcher in field of memory

Question 5

what is the Nuremberg code?

Answer 5

-established 1947
- Written in response to historical research abuses, particularly around Nazi experimentation in WW2
- ten point statement delimiting permissible medical experimentation on human subjects.

Question 6

What is the declaration of Helinski

Answer 6

• 1964
• Formalised Nuremberg code, with emphasis on medical practice and research
• Moral code over and above (but still including) law
• Still used to date
• Vulnerable PPs are acknowledged
• Importance must outweigh risk
• General principles (e.g., protection of substances)
• Scientific requirements
• Must compare against best proven interventions as well as placebo
• Regarding medical interventions, access for participants should be made available post trial

Question 7

IMPORTANT - What is the Belmont report?

Answer 7

• Aimed to formalise fundamental ethical principles

Respect for persons = (individuals treated as autonomous agents, people with diminished autonomy are entitled to protection

Beneficence = obligation to not od harm and maximise benefits

Justice = who receives benefits of research, and who bears the burdens

Question 8

What are some ethics outlined by the APA (American psychological association)

Answer 8

• Beneficence and non maleficence
• Fidelity and responsibility
• Integrity
• Justice
• Respect for rights and dignity

Question 9

What are some ethics outlined by the BPS (British Psychological Society)

Answer 9

• Informed consent
• Minimal deception
• Debriefing
• Right to withdraw
• Confidentiality and privacy
• Protection and harm
• Researcher responsibilities
• Consider scientific value