Ethics and Politics of Research

1
Ethics and Politics of Research

• Ethical principles of data collection
• Institutional review boards
• Ethical principles of research reporting
• Political considerations

2
Principle 1 Voluntary participation

• No coercion, persuasion
• No inappropriate use of authority
• Participants know they have a choice
• May conflict with generalizability of results
• concealing researcher ID

3
Principle 2 No harm to participants

• Harm may include embarrassment, psychological
  discomfort.
• Harm may occur after publication of results.
• Risk of harm may be justified if potential
  benefits are high AND participants are aware of
  risk.

4
Principle 3 Informed consent

• Purpose of research
• Who is doing the research
• Risks
• Benefits
• Compensation
• Participation is voluntary
• No penalty for quitting early

5
Principle 4 Protect participants identity

• Anonymity researcher doesnt know ID
• Confidentiality researcher knows but
• keeps secret.
• Increased concern for privacy
• Destroy all identifying info after finishing
  study
• Be cautious of leaks, subpoenas

6
Principle 5 Benefits outweigh risks

• Consider costs, risks, benefits to
• Research participant
• Society/ community
• Scientific knowledge

7
Institutional Review Boards

• Required by federal law for any institution that
  receives federal funds.
• Used at most universities, regardless of funding
• Composed of faculty, other researchers
• All research projects must be pre-approved
• Major purpose is protection of subjects rights

8
U of MN Research Review Boards

• Link to web page
• http//www.research.umn.edu/subjects/

9
Research Reporting Ethics

• Honest accounting of methods
• Honest presentation of results
• Acknowledge weaknesses of study
• Keep complete records
• Avoid using data to lie
• Acknowledge sponsors, reviewers, and others who
  helped
• Protect subjects identity

10
Political Issues in Research

• Objectivity vs. solving social problems
• Controversial findings
• Public reaction, interpretation
• Sponsorship or payment