Ethics in Research with Human Participants

Flashcards created for reviewing the key concepts and ethical considerations regarding research with human participants.

Informed Consent

The process of informing participants about the nature of a study and obtaining their agreement to participate.

Deception

The act of misleading participants about the true purpose of a study, which may involve preventing them from knowing certain information.

Confidentiality

The assurance that all data collected will be kept confidential and cannot be traced back to any individual.

Invasion of Privacy

A violation of a participant's privacy, guided by the ethical considerations of the investigator and the IRB.

Physical and Mental Stress

A principle requiring researchers to aim for minimal risk to participants and perform a cost-benefit analysis of risks involved.

Coercion to Participate

Forcing or pressuring someone to partake in a study, which is against ethical guidelines.

Vulnerable Populations

Groups that require special ethical considerations in research, such as children, prisoners, and individuals with impaired capacity.

Debriefing

The process at the end of a study where researchers clarify the nature of the study and address any stress or harm that may have occurred.

Scientific Misconduct

Inappropriate actions in research including fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

A committee that reviews research proposals involving human participants to ensure ethical standards are met.

What are the two obligations of a behavioral scientist?

1. To promote the welfare of individuals and communities. 2. To act in ways that are scientifically and ethically sound.

What is informed consent in research?

Informed consent is the process by which participants are fully informed about the study and its potential risks, and they voluntarily agree to participate.

What does deception mean in the context of research?

Deception involves misleading participants about certain aspects of the study. A confederate is someone who is part of the research team but is presented to participants as another participant.

What is the difference between confidentiality and anonymity?

Confidentiality means that participants' information is kept private and secure, while anonymity means that participants cannot be identified at all.

What constitutes an invasion of privacy in research?

An invasion of privacy occurs when researchers collect information that participants do not wish to share or that intrudes upon their personal life.

What are the potential effects of physical and mental stress in research participants?

Physical and mental stress can arise during research due to various factors like pressure to perform, challenges in tasks, or emotional distress, and it must be minimized.

What is coercion to participate in research?

Coercion refers to any influence that leads participants to take part in research against their free will, often involving pressure or threats.

Why are vulnerable populations a concern in research?

Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, or those with cognitive impairments, may require special protections due to their inability to give full voluntary consent.

What is the purpose of debriefing in research?

Debriefing is a process following the study where participants are informed about the true nature of the research, its purpose, and any deception that was involved.

What is considered scientific misconduct?

Scientific misconduct includes practices such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism in research that compromise the integrity of scientific inquiry.