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.