Main ethical issues involved in the early stages of doing research with the participants.
Discuss in detail the main ethical issues involved in the early stages of doing research with the participants.
Is informed consent necessary in this case? Why or why not?
How would you protect this specific subject from harm?
Suppose you were in Ms. Evers’ shoes. What information will you provide to the participants to ensure informed and voluntary consent?
What advice would you offer Nurse Evers if she asked how you would have handled her situation?
Sample Answer
Ethical Issues in Early Stages of Research with Participants
Key Ethical Issues:
- Informed Consent: This is arguably the most fundamental ethical principle. Participants must have a clear and complete understanding of the research, including its purpose, procedures, potential risks and benefits, and their right to withdraw at any time.
- Respect for Autonomy: Researchers must respect participants’ autonomy and their right to make informed decisions about their participation. Coercion or undue influence of any kind is unethical.
- Beneficence: Research should aim to maximize benefits for participants and minimize potential harms. This includes both physical and psychological harm.
- Justice: Research should be conducted equitably and should not exploit or disadvantage vulnerable populations.
Is Informed Consent Necessary?
Yes, informed consent is absolutely necessary in research involving human subjects.
- It is a fundamental ethical principle that protects participants’ rights and ensures they understand the implications of their participation.
- Without informed consent, research can be considered unethical and potentially harmful.
Protecting Participants from Harm:
- Minimizing Risks: Researchers should take all reasonable steps to minimize potential risks to participants, both physical and psychological.