15 – The Ethics of Social Research
Why Should I Care?
Research projects may incur harm. This issue has to be dealt with by universities to reduce the harm, and make sure that research is designed as ethically as possible.
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: A tally of advantages and disadvantages of a certain decision or action.
Logic and Intentions (Kant): Where the ends are put in context with the intentions behind the decision or action.
The 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