Question 1

What does the ethical principle of "sharing benefits" mean?

Accepted Answer

The principle of "sharing benefits" emphasizes that all groups involved in a study should have the opportunity to receive effective treatments discovered during the research, ensuring fairness and equity.

Question 2

What is the role of professional organizations in promoting ethical standards in human research studies?

Accepted Answer

Professional organizations play a crucial role in promoting ethical standards in human research studies. These organizations, which often consist of members from specific professional fields such as medicine, psychology, sociology, and others, are instrumental in establishing, maintaining, and enforcing ethical guidelines for research involving human participants. The role of professional organizations in this context includes several key aspects:

1. **Developing Ethical Guidelines and Codes of Conduct**: Professional organizations often create comprehensive ethical guidelines that outline the responsibilities of researchers when conducting studies involving human subjects. These guidelines are designed to protect the rights, well-being, and dignity of participants. They cover aspects such as informed consent, confidentiality, risk minimization, and the equitable selection of subjects.

2. **Education and Training**: These organizations provide education and training to their members on ethical research practices. This can include workshops, seminars, online courses, and publications that keep researchers informed about the latest ethical standards and how to apply them in their work.

3. **Certification and Accreditation**: Some professional organizations offer certification programs that validate a researcher's knowledge of ethical practices. Accreditation may also be provided to research institutions that adhere to established ethical standards, signaling to the public and to research participants that their rights and safety are being prioritized.

4. **Advocacy and Policy Development**: Professional organizations often advocate for the importance of ethical research practices at the policy-making level. They may work with governmental and regulatory bodies to influence the development of laws and regulations that govern human research studies.

5. **Monitoring and Enforcement**: To ensure compliance with ethical standards, professional organizations may conduct audits and assessments of research projects. They can also investigate allegations of misconduct and apply sanctions to members who violate ethical guidelines.

6. **Public Awareness and Trust**: By promoting ethical research practices and holding their members accountable, professional organizations help to build public trust in the research community. This is essential for the ongoing participation of individuals in studies, which is critical for advancing scientific knowledge.

7. **International Collaboration**: Many professional organizations collaborate with counterparts across the globe to harmonize ethical standards and promote best practices internationally. This is particularly important in an era where research is increasingly conducted on a global scale.

8. **Support and Resources**: Professional organizations provide support and resources to researchers facing ethical dilemmas. This may include access to ethicists, legal advice, and peer support networks.

In summary, professional organizations are central to the promotion of ethical standards in human research studies. They provide the framework, resources, and oversight necessary to ensure that research is conducted responsibly, with respect for the rights and welfare of human participants.

Question 3

Which is NOT a component of informed consent?

Accepted Answer

A computer simulation of the data is not a component of informed consent. The purpose of the research, the identity of the researcher, and information on how the participant can access their records are all important components of informed consent.

Question 4

Discuss two of the general issues in ethical research behavior.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss two of the general issues in...

Question 5

Discuss the primary shortcomings of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and what ethical guidelines are in place now to prevent such ethical lapses in the future. Is it enough?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the primary shortcomings of the Tuskegee...

Question 6

What is the best definition of an institutional review board?

Accepted Answer

An institutional review board (IRB) is a group of people found in most public institutions and private agencies who render a judgment as to whether experiments carried out in their facilities are free from risk. The IRB is responsible for the ethical oversight of research involving human subjects.

Question 7

Forcing someone to participate in a study is an example of what ethical issue/concern?

Accepted Answer

Forcing someone to participate in a study without their consent is an example of coercion. This raises ethical issues related to the autonomy and freedom of the participant, their right to refuse participation, and the potential harm that can come from being coerced into a study.

Question 8

List 10 informational elements that should be present in an informed consent letter. Must the letter be signed by the participant?

Accepted Answer

The answer of List 10 informational elements that should be...

Question 9

Because the usefulness of the information is so great, it is considered ethical to secretly record conversations between therapists and their clients.

Accepted Answer

Secretly recording conversations between therapists and their clients is a violation of privacy and ethical guidelines. Clients have a right to confidentiality in their therapy sessions, and recording without their knowledge or consent would be a breach of trust. It is only appropriate to record a session with explicit written consent from all parties involved, and only for legitimate therapeutic reasons.

Question 10

Which of the following information should be provided in an informed consent form for any study involving human participants?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent forms should always provide information about the procedures involved in the study. This is important for participants to understand what they will need to do during the study and any potential risks involved.

Option A: This may not be included as study findings are not yet known or final at the time of obtaining informed consent.
Option B: It is not particularly essential as it doesn't concern the participant's welfare. 
Option D: Confidentiality and anonymity of the participants should be maintained, which includes not providing the names of other participants.

Question 11

You can quote and analyze online information without asking for permission as long as the information is officially and publicly archived, not password protected and nothing on the site prohibits the use of this information.

Accepted Answer

As per the Fair Use Doctrine, quoting and analyzing publicly archived information without seeking permission is considered fair use, provided that the content is not password-protected or restricted in any way, and there is no notice prohibiting its use. Therefore, option A is correct.

Question 12

Distinguish between anonymity and confidentiality. Which is required for research to be considered ethical?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Distinguish between anonymity and confidentiality. Which is...

Question 13

When must a researcher be sure to debrief participants in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

Debriefing is necessary when participants are asked to do something for a reason other than what they are told, which can lead to confusion or discomfort. It is important to inform participants of the true purpose of the study and address any concerns or questions they may have. Debrieffing is not required when the null hypothesis is not upheld or in case studies. It can be done after the study is complete, but it is preferable to do it as soon as possible after the participants have completed their tasks.

Question 14

Summarize the potential consequences for researchers who do not follow ethical guidelines.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Summarize the potential consequences for researchers who...

Question 15

The Tuskegee Syphilis Study is often used as an example of:

Accepted Answer

The Tuskegee Syphilis Study is known for its unethical treatment of its participants. The study did not take into account the ethical considerations necessary for conducting research on human subjects, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and equal treatment of all participants.

Question 16

I will give an F in class to anyone who refuses to participate in my study. Students will take a five-point survey on what they ate today. Identify the problem and modify the experiment so that it is ethical.

Accepted Answer

The answer of I will give an F in class...

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT considered a basic principle of ethical behavior in research?

Accepted Answer

A well-stated hypothesis is not considered a basic principle of ethical behavior in research. The other options, protection from harm, refraining from coercion, and informed consent, are all key principles of ethical behavior in research.

Quiz 3: B: Ethics: the Basic Principles