Ethics In Social Science Research

1
Ethics In Social Science Research

• Why Be Ethical
• The Treatment of Human Subjects
• Ethical Conundrums

2
Three Broad Ethical Principles

• 1. Ethical Relativism
• 2. Ethical Commitment to a Social System
• 3. Utilitarianism

3
Why Be Ethical?

• Generally, most people are.
• Do unto others as you would have them do unto
  you.
• Sets the standard for social behavior.
• How can a science be critical, if it is not
  critical of its own practices?

4
Five General Principles of Values

• 1) The sanctity and worth of each human being
  should be respected.
• 2) People have a right to privacy.
• 3) People have a right to self-determination
• 4) Fairness and equity in social relations should
  be maintained.
• 5) One should not do anything to intentionally
  harm another person.

5
Five Groups of People Involved in the Research
Process

• 1. Research Subject
• 2. Researchers
• 3. Sponsors (those who fund research)
• 4. Media
• 5. The General Public

6
Three Broad Areas of Ethical Concern

• 1. Norms of research require one to be
  unremittingly honest.
• 2. The Uses of Scientific Knowledge
• 3. The Treatment of Human Subjects

7
The Treatment of Human Subjects

• Harm
• Deception
• Privacy Invasion
• Informed Consent

8
Harm

• Types of Harm Physical, Psychological Abuse,
  Legal Jeopardy
• Principles for Reducing Harm Informing
  Subjects of foreseeable risks, Screen subjects,
  assess subjects as study continues

9
Informed Consent

• Obtaining Informed Consent
• The role of IRB
• Informed consent should include
• 1. A brief description of the purpose and
  procedure of the research, including the expected
  duration of the study.
• 2. A statement of any risks or discomfort
  associated with participation.
• 3. A guarantee of anonymity and the
  confidentiality of records.
• 4. The identification of the researcher and of
  where to receive information about subjects
  rights or questions about the study.
• 5. A statement that participation is completely
  voluntary and can be terminated at any time
  without penalty.
• 6. A statement of alternative procedures that
  may be used.
• 7. A statement of any benefits or compensation
  provided to subjects and the number of subjects
  involved.
• 8. A offer to provide a summary of findings.

10
Deception

• What constitutes Deception
• Lying by Omission
• Is low level deception acceptable?
• Debriefing

11
Privacy Invasion

• What is privacy?
• Anonymity and confidentiality

12
Classic Ethical Conundrums

• The Milgram Experiments
• Zimbardos Prison Experiments
• Humphries and the Tearoom Trade

13
Discussion

• Break into groups of 3-5
• Discuss
• Is Covert Research Ethical?
• Is Deception in Research Acceptable? If so, how
  much deception is acceptable?