The Ethics of Social Science Research

Why Should I Care?

MPAs PLEASEa ADDstudent -writing COMMENT

a

Researchresearch projectspaper, 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 issueis where you need to appreciate the bounds of science, and the ethical reasoning behind these limits.

This lesson has to3 be dealt with by universities to reduce the harm, and make sure that research is designed as ethically as possible.

Definitionsparts

• Definitions
• Ethical Considerations for Researchers
• University Rules of Ethics

What are the Ethics of Social Science Research?

 

video here

• 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.

Example of Moral-Ethical conflict

Where do you place the following events?

	Ethical	Non-Ethical
Moral	Abortion becomes legal 1969
Immoral	Abortion ~1960 in progressive academia	Abortion 1955

Major Principles of Ethical Theory

• Harms-Benefits Analysis:
  A tally of advantages and disadvantages of a certain decision or action.
  
  
• Logic and Intentions (Kant):
  WhereIf the endsbenefits are put in context withoutweigh the intentions behindharms, the decisionaction orcan action.take place.
  

  • Ethical Considerations for Researchers

  Ethical considerations forScientific researchers

  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 werewere, and how they were treated

  Ethical considerations when studying individuals

  Researchers also have theobligations obligationstowards their participants, to treat their participantsthem with decency and dignity. Participants have the following rightsrights:

  Protection from harm:harm
   Participants cannot be inflicted physical or psychological harm. 
  

  Informed consent: consent
  participantsParticipants 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:Confidentiality
   Participants have the right to have their identity concealed on all collected data except in regards to suspected abuse. 

  Debriefing: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 studestudy phenomenon that would otherwise be impossible to detect (ex., doDo employers discriminate against jobseekersjob seekers with foreign names?)
  

  Knowledge of the results: results
  receiveReceive 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.

  
  

  
  

   

  • University Rules of Ethics

  paragraph

   

  The
  

   

  University Rules of Ethics

  REWRITE
  

  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.

  Social science that may do harm to public figures are excluded from the review process. If harm is deemed excessive, people can use the courts to litigate for libel or defamation.

  Dawson Research Ethics Board

  http://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/research-ethics-board/

  McGill Policy on the Ethical Conduct of Research Involving Human Participants

  http://www.mcgill.ca/medresearch/files/medresearch/policy_on_the_ethical_conduct_of_research_involving_human_participants_2-2013.pdf

  
  

  LICENSES AND ATTRIBUTIONS