CDIS 455 Ethics in Research

Chapter 2: Ethics

WHAT ARE ETHICS?

  • Research ethics are defined as rules of conduct that have developed over time based on sound and logical research practices.

Key Aspects of Ethics:

  • Beliefs: Personal convictions that guide individuals in their moral decisions.

  • Conduct: The behavior exhibited by individuals or groups in their actions.

  • Conscience: The inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives.

  • Conventions: Established norms or practices within societies or groups.

  • Decency: The quality of being polite and respectful.

  • Values: Core principles or standards that guide behavior and decision-making.

  • Principles of Integrity: Adhering to moral and ethical standards in all actions.

Protection of Human Rights:

  • Ethics are fundamentally designed to protect human rights, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and justly in any research or experimental context.

Moral Conduct

  • Ethics can be viewed through two main lenses:

Relativism:

  • Holds that rules of conduct vary according to individual needs, customs, and historical evolution.

Absolutism:

  • Maintains that rules of conduct are consistent and should always be the same, regardless of context or individual circumstances.

What is the IRB?

  • IRB: Institutional Review Boards are essential groups in the research process.

    • Composed of no less than 5 experts as well as laypeople with diverse backgrounds to ensure thorough and adequate reviews of research proposals.

IRB Duties:

  • Evaluate potential risks involved in the research.

  • Assess safeguards to protect participants.

  • Recommend modifications to the study design as needed.

Code of Ethics

  • Code of Ethics: A formalized and written set of principles that guide the conduct of experimentation.

    • ASHA Code of Ethics: A specific ethical framework within the field of audiology and speech-language pathology.

Belmont Report Ethical Principles:

  • Identified three basic ethical principles relevant to research involving human subjects:

    1. Respect for Persons: Acknowledging autonomy, informed consent, and the obligation to protect individuals with diminished autonomy.

    2. Beneficence: Obligation to minimize harm and maximize benefits to participants.

    3. Justice: Fair distribution of the benefits and burdens of research.

Participants in Research

  • Research plans typically involve human subjects referred to as “participants.”

  • Researchers select participants based on the study's purpose and methodology.

Informed Consent Forms:

  • Critical documents used in research to obtain consent from participants and inform them about participating in the study.

Basic Elements of Consent Forms:

  • Explanation of Procedures: Detailed description of what participation involves.

  • Risks or Discomforts: Potential risks or discomforts associated with participation.

  • Benefits: Expected benefits of participating in the study.

  • Alternative Procedures: Options available to participants outside of the proposed study.

  • Confidentiality: Assurance of how participants' data will be kept private.

  • Legal Rights: Participants' rights in relation to the research.

  • Signatures: Confirmation and acknowledgment of the participant’s consent.

  • Etc.: Additional information as necessary.

Research Issues

  • Common ethical issues faced in research include:

    • Privacy: Safeguarding participant information and data.

    • Withholding Treatment: Ethical considerations about whether to provide or withhold treatment in research settings.

    • Collecting Data: The methods used to gather data must adhere to ethical standards.

    • Attrition: The dropout rates of participants and its implications on the research outcomes.

    • Dishonesty: Issues related to misconduct or unethical behavior in reporting results.

    • Conflicts of Interest: Situations where personal interests may compromise the integrity of the research.

What is Evidence-Based Practice?

  • Evidence for best practice in fields such as:

    • Audiology: Study and treatment of hearing and balance disorders.

    • Speech-language pathology: Assessment and treatment of speech, language, and communication disorders.

    • Autonomy: Acknowledging and respecting individuals' rights to make informed choices regarding their own healthcare.

References

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