Research Ethics

Question 1

What is morality?

Answer 1

A code of conduct that is put forward by a society, group or individual, that is accepted as a GUIDE TO BEHAVIOR by its members, or by that individual.

(differ from other norms – e.g. legal, convention-al, instrumental)

Question 2

ethics

Answer 2

A theory that offers normatively valid reasons for rationally endorsing a code of behavior.

Question 3

! Why are research ethics important? …and why important for an engineer?

Answer 3

Our designs/concepts affect people. And we want them to lead to net positive outcomes

Question 4

3 major ethical theories!!!

Answer 4

1. Bringing about the best consequences (consequentialism)
2. Following relevant rules and duties (deontologist)
3. Exemplifying relevant character traits or virtues (virtue)

Question 5

Consequentialism and Utilitarianism

Answer 5

Consequentialism: Choices are to be morally assessed only by their consequences

Utilitarianism: determine right from wrong by focusing on outcomes. (a form of consequentialism) Also based on what maximizes utility.

(“Utility” is defined in terms of the well-being of sentient entities.)

Question 6

Deontological ethics

Answer 6

To choose morally is to fulfill relevant rules and duties

Question 7

Virtue ethics

Answer 7

Morality consists in having and exemplifying good character traits.

Relevant virtues for scientists:
-Courage, Respectfulness, Resoluteness, Sincerity, Humility, Reflexivity

Question 8

! misconduct of science

Answer 8

the violation of the standard codes of scholarly conduct and ethical behavior in the publication of professional scientific research.

Question 9

fabrication

Answer 9

making up data or result.

Question 10

falsification

Answer 10

manipulating research materials, equipment, processes or changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record.

Question 11

plagiarism

Answer 11

the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results or words without giving appropriate credit.

Question 12

problematic practices concerning sharing data

Answer 12

it might be:

• fabrication
• falsification

Question 13

problematic practices concerning authorship

Answer 13

• ghost authorship
• gift authorship
• self plagiarism

Question 14

ghost authorship

Answer 14

A person who writes a paper but is not listed among the authors. This is not permissible due to:

Question 15

Informed consent and the 3 most important criteria

Answer 15

INFORMED: a research subject is informed if she has received all relevant information about the purpose of the research project, how it will be carried out, and in what way it will affect her.

VOLUNTARY: her consent is voluntary if she is not forced to participate, and if her choice is sufficiently free from negative influences such as social and economic pressure.

DECISIONALLY-CAPACITATED CONSENT: the subject has decisional capacity to assess the information provided, appreciate in what way it concerns her, as well as make and communicate a decision in favor of participating.

Question 16

! Autonomy

Answer 16

freedom from external control or influence; independence

Question 17

Dual use

! Why could it have unethical consequences?

Answer 17

Serves two purposes

Dual use goods are products and technologies normally used for civilian purposes but which may have military applications
…..killing people

Question 18

How can the precautionary principle be used to decrease the risk for one’s research to have bad or harmful consequences for society?

Answer 18

The precautionary principle asserts that we ought to prevent potentially dangerous technologies even before scientific evidence for the danger of them is found.