CFSD301 Lecture Notes Week 1

CFSD301 Lecture Notes Week 1: Introduction to Research & Ethical Considerations

1. Introduction

Defining Research
  • Research is a systematic inquiry aimed at describing, explaining, predicting, and controlling observed phenomena. It involves testing, investigation, and observation to expand knowledge.
Why Research Matters
  • Key Roles of Research:
  • Development of new medicines.
  • Identification of effective teaching methods.
  • Business decisions on product offerings.
  • Research is foundational across various sectors and drives advancements.

2. The Importance of Research

Why Do We Conduct Research?
  • Four Main Reasons:
  1. Expanding Knowledge: Helps us learn new things and understand the world better.
  2. Solving Problems: Finds solutions to social, medical, and technological issues.
  3. Innovation & Development: Shaping new ideas, technology, and policies.
  4. Challenging Our Thinking: Encourages critical thinking and exploration of perspectives.
Example Discussion
  • Impact of Research (COVID-19 example):
  • Without research on virus spread, vital measures like vaccines and mask policies would have been absent, severely impacting public health.

3. Who Conducts Research?

Participants in Research
  • Research is performed by a variety of individuals:
  • Scientists & Medical Professionals: Investigating diseases and treatments.
  • Social Scientists: Examining behavior and societal issues.
  • Journalists: Ensuring facts are verified before publication.
  • Students: Engaging in research through academic projects and theses.

4. Ethical Considerations in Research

What Are Research Ethics?
  • Ethical considerations ensure research is responsible and does not harm participants.
Key Ethical Principles:
  1. Voluntary Participation: No coercion in participation.
  2. Informed Consent: Participants must be aware of study details.
  3. Anonymity & Confidentiality: Protections for participant data.
  4. Avoidance of Harm: No emotional, social or physical harm should occur.
  5. Honest & Transparent Reporting: No manipulation of results.
Historical Context: The Belmont Report
  • Established to confront unethical research issues in the 1970s.
  • Core Ethical Principles:
  1. Respect for Persons: Informed consent is mandatory.
  2. Beneficence: Maximize benefits while minimizing harm.
  3. Justice: Ensure no group is unfairly exploited.

5. Class Activity: Unethical Research Discussion

Example - The Tuskegee Syphilis Study
  • Overview:
  • In the 1930s, U.S. researchers studied Black men with syphilis without their knowledge or treatment, even after a cure (penicillin) was found.
  • Ethical Reflection: Participants faced severe ethical violations, raising critical questions about consent and exploitation.

6. Anonymity vs. Confidentiality

Distinctions in Research Ethics
  • Anonymity: Participants cannot be identified.
  • Example: An online survey without names collected.
  • Confidentiality: Participants can be identified, but their information is safeguarded.
  • Example: A psychologist keeping patient records private.

7. Vulnerable Populations in Research

Identification of Vulnerable Groups
  • Groups needing special consideration include:
  • Pregnant women & neonates
  • Prisoners
  • Children
  • Cognitively impaired individuals
  • Vulnerable populations may struggle with informed consent or could be easily coerced, necessitating strict ethical protections.
Importance of Protection
  • Historically, vulnerable groups faced unethical research practices. Contemporary laws aim to ensure their protection.

8. Harm Prevention & Risk Mitigation

Types of Harm in Research
  • Potential harms can include:
  • Psychological: Distress from trauma-related questions.
  • Social: Risk of public embarrassment.
  • Physical: Risks associated with medical research.
  • Legal: Possible legal repercussions from data misuse.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Strategies to Prevent Harm:
  • Conduct risk assessments before beginning research.
  • Obtain ethical approval from relevant review boards.
  • Provide participants with resources and counseling as necessary.
  • Clearly disclose risks during informed consent processes.

9. Trustworthiness in Qualitative Research

Ensuring Credibility
  • For qualitative research, focus on:
  1. Credibility: Study accuracy and believability.
  2. Transferability: Applicability of results to other contexts.
  3. Dependability: Consistency and documentation of the study.
  4. Confirmability: Findings based on facts rather than bias.