Chambliss Chapter 3
Page 1: Ethics in Research - Introduction and Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Understand the design and controversies of the Milgram obedience experiments.
Identify three research projects that motivated the establishment of human subjects' protections.
Define the Belmont Report's three ethical standards for the protection of human subjects.
Explain the role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB).
List current standards for human subjects protection in research.
Define debriefing and review Milgram's research controversy.
Introduction to Research Ethics
Consider the ethical implications of participation in a psychology experiment advertised with incentives.
Set the stage for the examination of ethical issues in human research.
Page 2: The Setup of the Milgram Experiment
Initial Impressions
Participants enter an elegant environment with professional staff.
The experimenter engages with participants, explaining the study's focus on punishment and learning.
Participant Roles
Participants draw slips of paper to determine roles as either teacher or learner.
Emphasis on the experiment's structure where one participant will administer shocks to the learner.
Understanding the Apparatus
Explanation of the electric shock apparatus, including emotional reactions to the shocks.
The experimenter's reassurance about the shock's safety.
Page 3: Procedures of the Experiment
Steps of Administration
Teacher reads word pairs to the learner.
Learner recalls the paired words, with mistakes resulting in increasing shock levels.
Teacher administers shocks for every mistake, starting from slight shock to danger levels.
Observations of learner's responses, escalating from mild sounds to cries for help.
Shock Generator Scale
Shock intensity levels explained from slight to danger: severe shock.
The shocking fact that participants tended to administer much higher shocks than they predicted.
Page 4: Milgram's Findings
Results Overview
Actual average shock level administered was higher than predicted.
25 of 40 subjects complied completely, demonstrating high stress levels during the experiment.
Importance of Ethical Discussions
Milgram's work provoked ongoing discussions about research ethics post-experiment.
Aim to highlight ethical considerations for human subjects in research.
Page 5: Historical Context
Background of Ethical Standards in Research
Nuremberg Trials (1946) and Tuskegee Syphilis Study (1932-1972) highlighted the need for ethical research practices.
Federal reforms initiated by exposure of human rights violations in research settings.
The Belmont Report (1979)
Introduced three ethical principles:
Respect for Persons: Treat individuals as autonomous agents.
Beneficence: Maximize benefits and minimize harm.
Justice: Fair distribution of research benefits and risks.
Page 6: Ethical Guidelines and Research Standards
Ethical Guidelines by the American Sociological Association (ASA)
Protect research subjects.
Ensure honesty and openness in research.
Achieve valid results.
Encourage appropriate application of research findings.
Protecting Research Subjects
Key Rules
Avoid harming participants.
Obtain informed consent and avoid deception when possible.
Ensure privacy and confidentiality.
Page 7: The Debate on Participant Harm
Emotional Impact of the Milgram Experiment
Participants displayed severe stress; some experienced full emotional breakdowns.
Contemplation of whether emotional disturbance constitutes harm.
Diana Baumrind's critique highlighted concerns over participants' long-term well-being.
Page 8: Subject Accountability and Research Integrity
Milgram's Defense and Follow-ups
Milgram believed emotional responses did not equate to harm.
Follow-up surveys indicated that many participants felt positive about their involvement in the study.
The Impact of Public and Academic Critique
Ongoing debate within the academic community raised standards for ethical research.
Page 9: Ethical Misconduct in Research
Zimbardo’s Prison Experiment
Overview of ethical challenges faced during Zimbardo's artificial prison setting.
Evaluating and stopping the experiment after severe psychological effects on participants.
Implications of Withholding Treatment
Discuss the ethical implications of withholding beneficial treatments in experimental settings.
Page 10: Obtaining Informed Consent
Challenges in Informed Consent
Discuss the complexities of ensuring informed consent during research.
Importance of clarity and understanding in consent forms.
The Role of Deception in Research
Deception techniques in experiments that can generate significant data but raise ethical concerns.
Ethical boundaries surrounding the use of deception in research.
Page 11: Consent Forms and Procedures
Contrast in Consent Form Length
Examples of two contrasting consent forms reflect differing institutional standards and requirements.
Page 12: Vulnerable Populations and Ethical Considerations
Minor's Consent and Special Protections
Outline the ethical considerations surrounding research with minors and vulnerable groups.
Page 13: The Need for Privacy and Confidentiality
Maintaining Confidentiality
Discuss the mechanisms researchers employ to protect respondent privacy, including Certificates of Confidentiality.
Page 14: The Ethical Implications of Social Media in Research
The Public vs. Private Debate
How social media blurs the lines between public and private data in research contexts.
Page 15: Ethical Conduct and Research Integrity
Honesty and Validity in Research
Importance of transparency in reporting and motivation behind studies.
Page 16: Discussion on Research Misuse
Addressing Misinterpretations of Research
The responsibility of researchers to clarify potential misuses of their findings.
Page 17: The Impact of Research on Policy
Outcomes of Research Articles and Policies
Example of misleading interpretations of research findings impacting policy changes.
Page 18: The Discussion of Goffman's Work
Ethical Challenges in Ethnographic Research
An analysis of Alice Goffman's controversial research decisions and ethical standing.
Page 19: Conclusion on Ethics in Research
Recap of Ethical Guidelines
Discussions around balancing protection of subjects while conducting meaningful research.
Page 20: Key Terms Related to Research Ethics
Belmont Report: Core ethical standards for the protection of human subjects.
Beneficence: Ethical principle focused on reducing harm and increasing benefits.
Confidentiality: Ensuring that participant information remains private.
Debriefing: Informing subjects post-experiment.
Institutional Review Board (IRB): A body ensuring the ethical standards of research involving human subjects.