CA

Research Ethics Summary

Overview of Research Ethics

  • Research ethics focuses on ethical issues when human subjects are involved in research.

  • Essential objectives:

    • Protect human participants.

    • Ensure research serves individual and societal interests.

    • Evaluate specific research activities for ethical soundness.

Key Issues in Research Ethics

  • Primarily in biomedical research; emerging ethical concerns in humanities and social sciences.

  • New methodologies (e.g., auto-ethnography) and vulnerable populations (e.g., children, disabled) raise distinct ethical challenges.

  • Current global issues include:

    • Research in developing countries, limits on genetic material research, privacy considerations with technology.

Current Debates in Canada

  • Ethics review requirements and oversight of Research Ethics Boards (REBs).

  • Jurisdiction and collaboration in research settings.

  • Impact of privacy laws on research practices.

Importance of Ethical Norms in Research

  • Promotes knowledge, truth, and error avoidance.

  • Facilitates cooperation among diverse researchers through trust and accountability.

  • Ensures public accountability for researchers, especially those funded by public sources.

  • Builds public support for research projects.

Ethical Principles in Research

  • Honesty: Accurately report data without fabrication or falsification.

  • Objectivity: Minimize bias in all research processes.

  • Integrity: Uphold commitments and ensure consistency.

  • Carefulness: Avoid errors; maintain meticulous records.

  • Openness: Share findings and embrace constructive criticism.

  • Respect for Intellectual Property: Appreciate all forms of intellectual contributions.

  • Confidentiality: Safeguard sensitive communications and records.

  • Responsible Publication: Prioritize scholarly advancement over personal gain.

  • Responsible Mentoring: Guide and support students professionally.

  • Social Responsibility: Aim to contribute positively to society through research.

  • Competence: Continuously improve knowledge and skills in research fields.

  • Legality: Follow laws relevant to research activities.

  • Animal Care: Treat animal subjects ethically and responsibly.

  • Human Subjects Protection: Minimize risks while maximizing benefits to human participants.

Research Misconduct Definitions

  • Fabrication: Making up data or results.

  • Falsification: Altering data or results improperly.

  • Plagiarism: Using another's work without proper attribution.

  • Honesty errors or opinion differences do not constitute misconduct.