ASSIGNMENT

TOPIC: CASE STUDIES

ADCP

Salma Azim Arfi

1st-Semmester

Submitted to: Mam Rubina Hanif

13th of November, 2023

Instructions: read each scenario carefully and answer the questions:

(1) STATE the single most obvious ethical problem or uncertainty in the study.
(2) EXPLAIN specifically what about each study raises the ethical concern.
(3) State WHAT SHOULD BE DONE DIFFERENTLY in each study to reduce or
eliminate your concern.

1) A researcher plans to conduct a study of effectiveness of a teacher training course in

math. The protocol states that the researcher plans to have students complete a
standardized math test and interview teachers about the effectiveness of their training and
how they felt the training affected their teaching style and the impact that the change in
their teaching had on their students learning.
1: An important ethical problem in this study might be informed consent. When conducting
interviews with teachers about their teaching styles and the impact of training on students,
ensuring that teachers fully understand the purpose, potential consequences, and voluntary nature
of their participation is crucial.
An important uncertainty could revolve around confidentiality and anonymity. Teachers might
be concerned about the privacy and potential repercussions of openly discussing the
effectiveness of their training or any changes in their teaching methods.
2: An ethical concern is the potential harm to students if the teachers' perceptions of the training
are not accurate. If teachers report that the training was highly effective, and this leads to policy
changes or resource allocation decisions, but the reality is different, students may suffer from a
suboptimal educational experience. Ethical concerns center around the responsibility to provide
accurate and unbiased information, which is vital for making informed decisions in education.
3: Implement Anonymity and Confidentiality: Ensure that the responses provided by teachers are
kept confidential and that their identities are protected. This can be achieved by using codes or
pseudonyms instead of real names in the research data. By assuring teachers that their responses
will not be linked to them personally, it may reduce the fear of negative consequences and
encourage more honest and unbiased feedback.

2) A researcher plans to conduct a study about friendship among college women. The
researcher plans to recruit pairs of girls to be interviewed together to discuss the nature of
their friendship. Then the researcher will interview the students separately and ask
questions about their concerns about their friendship. Finally, the researcher will bring the
girls back together to discuss the findings of their separate discussions. In that final
interview, the researcher will state that one of the girls made negative statements about the
other to observe how the subjects resolve the conflict arising from the negative statements.
This conflict will be videotaped.
1: The most obvious ethical problem in this study is the use of deception to create conflict
between friends. Deliberately attributing negative statements to one of the participants, without
their knowledge, in order to observe their reaction and how they resolve the conflict is a clear
violation of ethical standards. This deception could cause emotional harm, breach trust, and
potentially damage the genuine friendship between the participants. It violates the fundamental
principle of respect for the autonomy and well-being of the individuals involved in the study.
An obvious uncertainty in the study is the **unpredictability of how the participants will react**
to the fabricated negative statements. It's uncertain how this revelation might affect their
emotions, trust, and the dynamics of their friendship. Their reactions might vary significantly,
leading to unforeseen emotional distress, anger, or even withdrawal from the study. This
uncertainty in how the participants will handle the manufactured conflict introduces a significant
ethical concern and potential risk to their well-being.
2: Certainly, the most obvious ethical concern related to deception in this study is the deliberate
fabrication of negative statements about one participant to provoke conflict between the friends
during the final interview. This intentional falsehood is a clear act of deception and
manipulation, violating the participants' trust and understanding of the study's true nature.
3: Certainly, the most crucial step to eliminate the ethical concern of deception is to **honestly
inform the participants about the nature of the study from the beginning**. This involves clearly
detailing the study's purpose, the procedures involved, and ensuring that the participants are fully
aware that negative statements will not be fabricated to incite conflict between them. This
transparency and upfront honesty are fundamental in gaining genuine informed consent and
maintaining the trust and ethical integrity of the research.

3) A researcher has assigned a class project that involves students conducting random
surveys of students in Bone Student Center. The students will develop their own survey
instruments and determine the topic they will be surveying.
1: One important ethical problem in conducting random surveys of students in Bone Student
Center is obtaining informed consent from the participants. When students approach other
students for surveys, they may not adequately explain the purpose of the survey, potential risks,
and the use of the data. This lack of informed consent can raise ethical concerns.
An important uncertainty in such surveys is whether the participants' responses will be kept
anonymous and confidential. Students conducting the surveys may not have clear guidelines on
how to protect the identity of respondents and the confidentiality of their answers.
2: The ethical concern here is the potential violation of the privacy of the surveyed students. If
surveyors collect personal or sensitive information without proper consent and fail to maintain
the anonymity and confidentiality of the data, it could result in a breach of privacy.
3: Students conducting surveys should create a written consent form that explains the purpose of
the survey, how the data will be used, and the steps taken to protect anonymity and
confidentiality. The form should also clarify that participation is voluntary.

4) A researcher proposes to conduct a study of elderly participants, aged 70 and up to

assess the effects of physical training on physical strength and bone mass. The training will
involve repetitions with weights and walking on a treadmill. The proposed duration of the
study is six months. Participants will be recruited from a senior citizens center.
1: One significant ethical problem in this study could be the issue of informed consent. Elderly
individuals may vary in their capacity to fully understand the implications and risks of
participating in a physical training study. This raises concerns about whether they can provide
genuine, informed consent for a study that involves physical exertion and potential risks.
An important uncertainty is the potential for physical harm or injury during the training program.
While physical exercise can have immense benefits for strength and bone mass, there's a
possibility of injury, especially in an older population. Understanding the threshold of exercise
intensity and potential risks involved is crucial.
2: An ethical concern is the potential for harm to the participants. Given the vulnerability of
elderly individuals and the fact that the study involves weight repetitions and treadmill walking,
there is a risk of injury or adverse health effects. This raises concerns about the well-being of the
participants and whether the potential benefits of the training program outweigh the risks,
especially if those benefits are uncertain.
3: One important step to address the ethical concern of informed consent and potential harm is to
implement a comprehensive and detailed informed consent process. This should involve clearly
explaining the study's purpose, potential risks, and expected benefits in a way that's
understandable to individuals of varying cognitive capacities. Additionally, a thorough screening
process could be implemented to identify participants who might be at higher risk of injury
during the physical training, ensuring their safety remains a priority. An ethics review board or
committee could also oversee the study's design and protocols to ensure the protection and well-
being of the elderly participants.

5) A researcher proposes to study pregnant adolescents who no longer live at home. The
study will involve collecting information on drug use, dietary habits, residence information
and childcare behaviors once they give birth.
1: One important ethical problem in this study is the potential invasion of the privacy and
confidentiality of the pregnant adolescents. Collecting information on drug use, dietary habits,
residence, and childcare behaviors can involve sensitive and personal data that, if not handled
with care, could lead to unintended negative consequences for the participants.
An important uncertainty in this study is how the researcher will obtain informed consent from
pregnant adolescents who may no longer live at home. These adolescents may have limited
access to healthcare or support systems, and their ability to fully understand the implications of
participation in the study may be compromised.
2: The primary ethical concern is ensuring that the pregnant adolescents' autonomy, privacy, and
well-being are protected throughout the study. It is crucial to obtain informed consent in a way
that respects their autonomy while addressing their potential vulnerabilities and ensuring their
safety.
3: One important step to address this ethical concern could be implementing a robust and
comprehensive informed consent process. This process should include clear and easily
understandable explanations about the study, its purpose, the type of information collected, and
how it will be used. Additionally, there should be assurances regarding the confidentiality of the
data collected and the steps taken to protect their privacy. Providing resources for support and
counseling should also be considered to safeguard the well-being of the participants.

6) Dr. Critchenhead conducted a successful study and then published the results. To
illustrate how subjects operated the test equipment, he included in the published article a
picture of one of the subjects performing the experimental task.
1: The ethical problem in this scenario is the potential violation of the subject's right to privacy
and informed consent. Dr. Critchenhead included a picture of one of the subjects without
obtaining explicit permission or adequately protecting their identity.
An important uncertainty is whether the subject in the published picture can be identified by
others, which could lead to unintended consequences for the individual. This uncertainty relates
to the potential risks associated with privacy breaches.
2: The ethical concern is that the subject's privacy and confidentiality may have been
compromised, potentially leading to harm, such as stigma or discrimination. The subject may not
have been fully aware that their image would be used in the publication, and this lack of
informed consent raises ethical concerns.
3: By obtaining informed consent, researchers can uphold the ethical principles of respect for
autonomy and privacy while ensuring that the research is conducted ethically and with the
participants' best interests in mind.

7) Standing in the shower late one night, Dr. Vole thought of a revolutionary new
experiment that would change the face of all Psychology. The next morning at 8 a.m., he
located some subjects and began conducting the study.
1: One critical ethical problem is “informed consent”. Dr. Vole formulated the idea in his private
space without involving the subjects beforehand. Engaging them the next morning without fully
informing them about the study, its nature, and potential risks or discomforts can violate their
right to make an informed decision about participating.
An essential uncertainty might be “the potential psychological or emotional impact” on the
subjects. Without proper information on the nature of the study or what they might experience,
it's uncertain how they might react or be affected, raising concerns about their well-being.
2: The ethical concern revolves around “potential harm or discomfort” to the subjects. If they are
unaware of what the study entails and aren't given the opportunity to refuse or withdraw, it could
lead to psychological distress or harm, which is against ethical guidelines.
3: Dr. Vole should start by **obtaining informed consent**. This involves fully informing the
subjects about the study, its objectives, potential risks or discomforts, and their right to
participate or withdraw without any negative consequences. Additionally, ensuring that the
subjects are in a mental and emotional state to give voluntary consent is crucial. This step helps
to uphold the ethical principle of respect for the participants' autonomy and ensures they're aware
and willing to participate.
8) Dr. Roland conducted research on how much established drug abusers liked the effects
of experimental new drugs. To locate subjects, he placed signs in areas often frequented by
homeless people, offering volunteers $1000 for participating in the study, which involved
three weeks' stay in a research hospital.
1: One important ethical problem in Dr. Roland's approach is the potential exploitation of
vulnerable populations. Placing signs in areas frequented by homeless individuals, offering
compensation for participation in a drug study, could exploit their socio-economic
circumstances, potentially leading them to participate for the money rather than fully
understanding the risks and implications.
An important uncertainty lies in the ability of the homeless individuals to provide informed
consent. Their living situations might affect their capacity to fully understand the implications of
their participation, raising doubts about the validity of their consent.
2: An ethical concern is the risk of coercion due to financial incentives. Homeless individuals,
facing financial hardship, might feel compelled to participate solely for the monetary reward,
possibly disregarding potential risks associated with the study.
3: One important step to address this ethical concern could be to ensure a thorough and
comprehensive informed consent process. This process should involve extensive explanations, in
easily understandable language, regarding the study, its potential risks, and the rights of the
participants.

9) It was late in the quarter and Professor Palamino was having trouble recruiting subjects
to be in his research project on the effects of disgusting smells on learning processes. Thus,
he announced to his Theories of Personality class that he would offer any student 5 points
extra credit for serving in the study.
1: An important ethical problem in this scenario is the potential for coercion. Offering extra
credit to students to participate in a study on disgusting smells could pressure them into joining
against their will. This coercion raises concerns about voluntary participation, potentially leading
to biased or unreliable results due to participants feeling compelled to take part.
One important uncertainty could be the informed consent process. Are the students fully aware
of the potential risks, the nature of the study, and their rights as participants? This uncertainty
could lead to misunderstandings or lack of clarity regarding what the study entails, impacting the
ethical integrity of their participation.
2: An ethical concern arising from this uncertainty is the principle of informed consent, a
cornerstone of ethical research. Without a thorough understanding of what the study involves,
the risks, and the right to withdraw at any point, students might unknowingly subject themselves
to discomfort or unpleasant experiences.
3: To address this ethical concern, an important step would be to ensure a comprehensive and
transparent informed consent process. Professor Palamino should provide detailed information
about the study, including the nature of the disgusting smells, potential risks or discomfort, and
the right for participants to withdraw without penalty. This way, students can make an informed
decision without feeling coerced, and the study maintains its ethical integrity.
10) As part of the requirements for his Research Methods course, Dr. Weiner assigned each
student to participate as a subject in 3 research studies offered by the Psychology
Department. Each experiment was worth 10% of a student's course grade.
1: One important ethical problem in assigning students to participate as subjects in research
studies for a course is the issue of informed consent. Students may feel pressured to participate
due to the course requirements, potentially leading to a situation where their consent is not
entirely voluntary or informed.
An important uncertainty is whether students truly understand the research they are participating
in and the potential risks involved. It's unclear if students are aware of the nature of the
experiments, the types of data collected, and how their participation may impact them physically
or emotionally.
2: The ethical concern is that students' rights to autonomy and informed consent might be
compromised. If students are participating in research out of academic obligation rather than a
genuine desire to contribute to the studies, their autonomy is undermined. Additionally, if they
are not adequately informed about the research procedures and potential risks, their consent may
not be truly informed.
3: One important step to address the ethical concern is to ensure that all students are provided
with clear and comprehensive information about the research studies they will participate in.
This should include details about the purpose of the research, the procedures involved, any
potential risks or discomfort, and the option to withdraw from participation at any time without
consequences for their course grade. This information should be provided in advance, and
students should be given adequate time to review and consider it.

11) In a study of childrens' reactions to stress, Dr. Fang showed a room of 20 children a
scary, blood-and-guts "slasher" movie, then observed them interacting in a special play
room. Just as the observation period was ending, a fire alarm rang and the building had to
be evacuated. Many of the children could not be located again when it was time to return to
the building.
1: One important ethical problem in this study is the potential psychological harm inflicted upon
the children by exposing them to a scary, blood-and-guts "slasher" movie. Exposing children to
such graphic and disturbing content can lead to trauma, nightmares, and long-lasting emotional
distress.
An important uncertainty in this study is whether the children's reactions to the movie and the
subsequent fire alarm evacuation can be accurately interpreted as indicators of their stress
responses. The children's reactions may be influenced by a wide range of factors, and it may be
difficult to attribute their behaviors solely to the stressors presented in the study.
2: One ethical concern is the lack of informed consent from both the children and their parents or
guardians. Children are typically unable to provide informed consent, and their parents or
guardians should have been fully informed about the nature of the study and the potential risks
involved in exposing their children to such content.
3: One important step to solve this ethical concern would be to ensure a rigorous ethical review
process before conducting such studies involving children. This would involve obtaining
informed consent from guardians, considering the potential risks and benefits, and ensuring the
well-being and safety of the participants throughout the study. Additionally, employing age-
appropriate stimuli in research involving children would be crucial to prevent unnecessary
psychological harm.

12) In the 1950s Stanley Milgram conducted a series of experiments on obedience to

authority, in which subjects were told were asked by a researcher in a formal-looking white
lab coat to deliver potent electric shocks to a "learner" in another room whenever the
learner made a mistake. In reality, the learner was an assistant of the experimenter,
instructed to make mistakes and to scream when the electric shocks -- actually bogus ones
-- were delivered.
1: One important ethical problem in the Milgram experiment was the potential psychological
harm inflicted on the participants. Subjects believed they were delivering increasingly painful
electric shocks to the "learner," and many displayed signs of extreme distress and anxiety during
the experiment. This level of psychological stress can be considered unethical, as it violated the
principle of "do no harm" to participants.
An important uncertainty in the Milgram experiment is whether the participants gave fully
informed consent. They were not aware of the true nature of the study and the potential harm
they might inflict on the "learner." This lack of informed consent raises questions about the
validity of their consent and the extent to which they understood the risks involved.
2: An ethical concern arising from the Milgram experiment is the issue of deception. Participants
were deliberately deceived about the purpose and consequences of the study, which can erode
trust in research and harm the reputation of the scientific community. Deception can also lead to
long-lasting psychological effects on participants who might feel manipulated or betrayed.
3: One important step to address the ethical concern of deception is to ensure that participants are
fully debriefed after the experiment. Debriefing involves providing participants with a complete
explanation of the study's purpose, the use of deception, and the reasons for it. It also offers an
opportunity for participants to ask questions and express their feelings about the experience. This
helps mitigate any potential psychological harm and allows participants to leave the study with a
better understanding of its purpose and their role in it.