The Ethics of Social Science Research
Why Should I Care?
As a student writing a research paper, you might be surprised by the topic or the results of a study. Scientists are often pushing the limits of what's acceptable because they are studying taboo subjects, or trying to measure events that may incur harm. This is where you need to appreciate the bounds of science, and the ethical reasoning behind these limits.
This lesson has 3 parts
- Definitions
- Ethical Considerations for Researchers
- University Rules of Ethics
What are the Ethics of Social Science Research?
video here
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Definitions
Morals
What is right and wrong, as defined by social norms, traditions, religion, and other institutions. Values.
Ethics
What is right and wrong, as argued by a philosophy, a set of logical conclusions, stemming from premises and assumptions.
Deontology
A set of rules that govern conduct, such as law, regulations, and professional practices.
Harms-Benefits Analysis
A tally of advantages and disadvantages of a certain decision or action. If the benefits outweigh the harms, the action can take place.
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Ethical Considerations for Researchers
Scientific researchers have a responsibility to be truthful and transparent about:
a) the sources of their ideas: researchers must acknowledge the work of others
b) their actual findings
c) who the research participants were, and how they were treated
Ethical considerations when studying individuals
Researchers also have obligations towards their participants, to treat them with decency and dignity. Participants have the following rights:
Protection from harm
Participants cannot be inflicted physical or psychological harm.
Informed consent
Participants must be told about all features of a study that may affect their willingness to participate. In the case of children, parents must give their consent: children of any age also have the right to choose not to participate.
Confidentiality
Participants have the right to have their identity concealed on all collected data except in regards to suspected abuse.
Debriefing
Any deception related to the concealment of info to the participants for the purpose of the study must be disclosed following the end of the study. Deception is sometimes necessary to study phenomenon that would otherwise be impossible to detect (ex. Do employers discriminate against job seekers with foreign names?)
Knowledge of the results
Receive a copy of their signed consent form, and information about who to contact if you should have any questions.
When you develop a research project, you should consider ethical issues that may arise from the very beginning. Rule of thumb: put yourself in the participants’ shoes.
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University Rules of Ethics
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University Rules of Ethics
A review committee gives green light to projects, including student research, and faculty research done outside the realms of the university. Projects are reviewed only if they are done on “humans.”
Harms-Benefits is the guiding principle.
If benefits outweigh harms, and harms are not critical, then studies get ok.
Reputational risks and potential legal actions are taken seriously.
Zimbardo experiment would never be done today.
Dawson Research Ethics Board
http://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/research-ethics-board/
McGill Policy on the Ethical Conduct of Research Involving Human Participants