Ethical Principles in Research

Flashcards covering ethical principles in research, including the Belmont Report, informed consent, beneficence, justice, IRBs, deception, debriefing, and animal research ethics.

What was the purpose and duration of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study?

The study wanted to examine the long-term effects of untreated syphilis on men's health and lasted for 40 years.

How did the Tuskegee Syphilis Study violate the principle of 'Respect for persons' from the Belmont Report?

The men in the study were not treated respectfully and were lied to about receiving 'special free treatment' for syphilis.

How did the Tuskegee Syphilis Study violate the principle of 'Beneficence' from the Belmont Report?

The men in the study were harmed by being denied proper treatment for syphilis, maximizing harm instead of minimizing it.

How did the Tuskegee Syphilis Study violate the principle of 'Justice' from the Belmont Report?

The men in the study were targeted as a disadvantaged social group, failing to treat research participants equitably.

What does the ethical principle of 'Respect for persons' require researchers to do?

Participants must be treated as autonomous individuals capable of making decisions, requiring informed consent, voluntary participation, and special protections for those with limited autonomy.

Explain informed consent in research.

Informed consent is the process where participants are fully informed about a study before agreeing to participate, ensuring their autonomy and voluntary involvement.

What does the ethical principle of 'Beneficence' require researchers to do?

Researchers must maximize the benefits of research while minimizing harm to participants, using methods with the least possible risk, maintaining confidentiality, and carefully monitoring risky research.

How do researchers evaluate the risks and benefits of a study when applying the principle of beneficence?

Researchers use methods with the least possible risk, maintain participant confidentiality, and carefully monitor research that involves more than minimal risk to maximize benefits and minimize harm.

What does the ethical principle of 'Justice' require researchers to do?

Procedures need to be administered fairly among participants, treating them equitably and not exploiting vulnerable populations, especially when selecting specific ethnic or social groups.

How should researchers apply the principle of justice when selecting research participants?

Researchers must treat participants equitably and not exploit vulnerable populations. If an ethnic group is studied, there must be a demonstration that the problem is especially prevalent in that group.

What is the purpose of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

An IRB reviews research proposals to ensure they meet ethical guidelines and protect human participants.

Who serves on an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

An IRB must have at least five members, including one member from outside the institution.

What is passive deception (deception of omission) in research?

Passive deception involves withholding some truth or relevant information from research participants.

What is active deception (deception of commission) in research?

Active deception involves intentionally misinforming research participants.

When is deception considered permissible in a study?

Minor deception may be tolerated and permissible on some occasions but must always be followed by debriefing.

What is the debriefing process in research?

Debriefing involves the researcher explaining the true purpose and details of a study to participants, especially after deception has been used.

What are the goals of debriefing in a study?

The goal is to inform participants about the study's true nature, reduce any harm or distress caused by deception, and ensure they leave feeling respected and understanding their role.

Why do many psychologists use animals in research?

Many psychologists use animals in research because certain studies cannot be ethically or practically conducted with human participants.

What is the role of an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)?

An IACUC must approve any animal research project before it begins, ensuring ethical treatment and protection of animals. The committee includes a veterinarian, a scientist, and a community member.

What is the Animal Welfare Act and what are the '3 R's' it outlines?

The Animal Welfare Act outlines standards and guidelines for the treatment of animals in research. The '3 R's' are Replacement (finding alternatives to animals), Refinement (modifying procedures to minimize distress), and Reduction (minimizing the number of animals used).