the key to ethical screening

Question 1

what are the 2 ethical responsibilities of researchers

Answer 1

• do no harm

- do good

Question 2

what are the 3 ethical concepts of the belmont report

Answer 2

respect for others- informed consent to study participation.

justice- requiring equitable distribution of research burdens + benefits

beneficence- requiring risks to human subjects be justified by the value of the knowledge gained.

Question 3

4 potential sources of harm to participants

Answer 3

biological- morbidity/ mortality
pyschological- distress
social- stigma
structural- excessive cost.

Question 4

How do we mitigate risk of harm

Answer 4

Sound science – e.g. Institutional Review Boards.

Sound ethical principles – e.g. Research Ethics Committees.

Sound study practices – e.g. voluntary participation.

Question 5

How do we ensure ‘voluntary participation (6)

Answer 5

Informed participants – e.g. a ‘participant information sheet’

Participant consent – e.g. a ‘participant consent form’

Reward-free research – e.g. (no) inducement to consent

Freedom to decline – e.g. no obligation to consent

Freedom to withdraw – e.g. no explanation required

Rights protection – e.g. confidentiality and anonymity

Question 6

which groups of individuals are at risk of “ involuntary participation”

Answer 6

Participants with limited agency – e.g. children
Participants with diminished autonomy – e.g. dementia
Participants with needs – e.g. the poor, the unwell
Participants unable to consent – e.g. the unconscious