Ethics and Social Science Research

These flashcards cover the essential concepts of ethics in social science research, including principles, controversies, and regulations involved in protecting research participants.

What is the Nuremberg Code and when was it established?

A set of research ethics principles for human experimentation established in 1947.

What are ethical guidelines in research meant to prevent?

They are meant to prevent harmful and egregious conduct.

What was one of the infamous studies that raised ethical concerns in research?

The Tuskegee Syphilis Study (1932).

What principle emphasizes that no harm should come to research participants?

No Harm to Participants.

What must be considered when weighing the potential benefits of research?

Potential harm to people being studied.

What does voluntary participation in research mean?

No one should be forced to participate in the study.

What is deception in research and when is it acceptable?

Deception is misinforming subjects about the study, acceptable only if justified by compelling scientific or administrative concerns.

Which study is associated with deception involving smoke in a room?

The Latane & Darley (1968) smoke study.

What does the principle of analysis and reporting involve?

Maintaining honesty, integrity, and objectivity in reporting research methods, findings, and weaknesses.

What are institutional review boards (IRBs) responsible for?

Judging the acceptability of study risks to human subjects and ensuring adequate safeguards.

What do the Belmont Report principles include?

Respect for persons, Beneficence, and Justice.

What is the ethical principle concerning the return of research benefits to participants?

Reciprocity.

What is an example of a potentially unethical research practice?

Withholding desirable treatments from a control group.

What is the consequence of not honoring commitments in research?

It undermines mutual trust and obligation between researcher and participant.

Why is the protection of information important in research ethics?

To maintain participant confidentiality and trust.

What are two types of legal liability problems researchers may face?

Becoming accessory to crime or obtaining knowledge of subjects’ illegal acts.

What is the controversy associated with the Tearoom Trade study?

Ethical issues regarding observation and consent in social research.

Who conducted the Stanford Prison Experiment and what was its main focus?

Zimbardo; it focused on the psychological effects of perceived power and authority.

What is the primary goal of ethical guidelines in social science research?

To protect the welfare and rights of research participants.

What does the ethical principle of beneficence involve?

Maximizing possible benefits and minimizing any potential harm to participants.

What issue does staff misbehavior in research refer to?

Ethical misconduct by researchers or staff involved in the study.

What is the significance of ethical conduct in research with humans?

It ensures the dignity and rights of all participants are respected.

What was the purpose of the Willowbrook Study, which raised ethical concerns?

Studying hepatitis in a residential school for children with intellectual disabilities.

Why are generalizability concerns associated with voluntary participation important?

They may limit the applicability of the research findings to broader populations.

What does the concept of justice in research ethics signify?

Fair distribution of research benefits and burdens among participants.

How should researchers handle negative findings in their reporting?

They should report them honestly and include them in study analysis.

What institutional document outlines ethical conduct for research involving humans in Canada?

Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TPS-2).

What type of ethical issues are addressed in the Belmont Report?

Issues involving respect for persons, beneficence, and justice in research.

Can deception in research be ethically justified?

Yes, if it is justified by compelling scientific or administrative concerns.