CDIS 455 Ch. 2 Ethics Study Notes

Chapter 2: Ethics

What are Ethics?

  • Definition: Research ethics are rules of conduct that stem from a history of sound and logical research practices.

  • Components of Ethics:

    • Beliefs

    • Conduct

    • Conscience

    • Conventions

    • Decency

    • Values

    • Principles of Integrity

  • Purpose: Ethics protect human rights.

Moral Conduct

  • Concepts:

    • Relativism:

    • Definition: Holds that rules of conduct vary based on individual needs, customs, and historical context.

    • Absolutism:

    • Definition: Asserts that rules of conduct remain constant regardless of circumstances.

What is the IRB?

  • IRB Definition: Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)

  • Composition:

    • Composed of no less than 5 experts and laypeople from various backgrounds to ensure comprehensive evaluation of research proposals.

  • IRB Duties:

    • Evaluate potential risks associated with research.

    • Assess safeguards implemented for participants.

    • Recommend modifications to research proposals as needed.

Code of Ethics

  • Definition: A code of ethics consists of a formalized and written set of principles that guide the conduct of experimentation.

  • Examples:

    • ASHA Code of Ethics

    • Belmont Report: Identified three basic ethical principles:

    1. Respect for Persons

    2. Beneficence

    3. Justice

Participants in Research

  • Definition: In research designs, human subjects are referred to as “participants.”

  • Selection Criteria: Researchers select participants based on the purpose and methodology of their studies.

  • Informed Consent Forms:

    • Utilized for obtaining consent from participants for research activities.

    • Basic Elements of Consent Forms:

    • Explanation of research procedures

    • Identification of risks or discomforts

    • Statement of benefits

    • Description of alternative procedures

    • Assurance of confidentiality

    • Outline of legal rights of participants

    • Signatures and acknowledgment

    • Other relevant information or disclaimers

Ethical Issues in Research

  • Privacy Concerns

    • Issues related to maintaining participant confidentiality and privacy rights.

  • Withholding Treatment

    • Ethical dilemmas around withholding treatments for study purposes.

  • Collecting Data

    • Considerations related to ethical data collection methods.

  • Attrition

    • Challenges associated with participant drop-out rates in studies.

  • Dishonesty

    • Ethical implications of dishonesty in research findings or practices.

  • Conflicts of Interest

    • Identifying and managing potential conflicts that may affect research integrity.

What is Evidence-Based Practice?

  • Definition: Evidence-based practice is informed by research findings to establish the best practices.

  • Source Areas for Evidence:

    • Audiology

    • Speech-Language Pathology

    • Autonomy in practice

References

  • Meline, T. (2010). A research primer for communication sciences and disorders. Pearson.