AABA Code of Ethics

I. Preamble

• Physical anthropologists belong to both anthropology and multiple communities with their own ethical codes.

• Responsibilities exist towards scholarly discipline, wider society, and the environment.

• Close relationships with communities may complicate ethical considerations.

• Misunderstandings and conflicts may arise due to these complexities.

• The Code aims to foster discussion and education rather than adjudicate unethical behavior.

• Based on the American Anthropological Association (AAA) Code, allowing modifications for AAPA needs.

II. Introduction

• Definition of Physical Anthropology: A multidisciplinary field encompassing the biological study of humans and nonhuman primates.

• Has roots in natural and social sciences; interactions between basic, applied research, and scholarly interpretation.

• The advancement of physical anthropology is the main goal of AAPA.

• Emphasizes the ethical generation and use of knowledge throughout research, teaching, and public policy.

• AAPA Code offers a framework for ethical decision-making amidst multiple ethical codes.

• Individual anthropologists must be aware and trained in ethical issues.

III. Research

• Ethical Obligations in Research:

  • Transparency about research purposes and impacts is essential with all stakeholders.

  • Ethical research is defined by its execution, regardless of funding sources.

  • Researchers should integrate ethics with good citizenship and public policy.

A. Responsibility to People and Animals

1. Ethical obligations to participants can sometimes supersede knowledge generation goals.

2. Responsibilities include protecting the well-being of human and nonhuman subjects and preserving records.

3. Respect for participant anonymity and addressing potential impacts of research on them.

4. Informed Consent:

   • Essential to obtain prior consent; dynamic and ongoing process across the research lifecycle.

   • The focus is on the quality of consent, not merely its form.

5. Avoid exploitation of participants and acknowledge societal contributions to the work.

B. Responsibility to Scholarship and Science

1. Researchers should identify ethical dilemmas throughout their work and adhere to moral principles of integrity.

2. Integrity of discipline requires avoidance of deception or misrepresentation.

3. Preservation for future use and appropriate dissemination of findings is necessary.

4. Data accessibility for further research is encouraged, along with data preservation efforts.

C. Responsibility to the Public

1. Research findings must be made accessible and communicated truthfully to a wider audience, including implications.

2. Scholars may advocate ethically, but advocacy is not mandated.

IV. Teaching Responsibility

A. Ethical Relations with Students and Trainees

1. Avoid discrimination based on irrelevant criteria.

2. Improve teaching practices, provide support, and guide career prospects realistically.

3. Emphasize ethical challenges and encourage students' ethical reflections.

4. Acknowledge student contributions appropriately and fairly.

5. Prevent exploitation in mentorship roles, particularly avoiding inappropriate relationships.

V. Application of Ethics

1. Ethical principles apply uniformly across anthropological work; openness about research context is crucial.

2. Anthropologists must conduct themselves honestly regarding qualifications and past employer ethics.

3. Understand the balance of competing obligations and ethical dilemmas in research and practice.

VI. Epilogue

• All actions in the field are opportunities for ethical responsibility, requiring careful consideration of multiple obligations.

VII. Acknowledgments

• The AAA Code was formed by a broad committee and acknowledged input from various ethical bodies.

VIII. Other Relevant Codes of Ethics

• Lists various ethical guidelines from relevant professional and academic organizations that anthropological researchers should consult.