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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.


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