RESEARCH METHODS
(STA630)
GRADED DISCUSSION BOARD
(GDB)
QUESTION:
What ethical principles are involved in this research scenario? Identify at least two ethical
dilemmas and concisely justify each one.
ANSWER:
This circumstance raises some tough ethical questions! Let us look at the principles at work
and the challenges they produce.
The key ethical principles at work here are:
Respect for Persons: This principle emphasizes people' ability to make their own
decisions, as well as the responsibility to safeguard those with less agency. It means
that people must freely consent to participate based on complete information.
Beneficence: Researchers must try to maximize benefits while minimizing potential
damage to participants. This necessitates a thorough risk/benefit analysis.
Justice: This principle asks for fair participant selection and equitable distribution of
research burdens and benefits. Vulnerable people should not be targeted without
compelling reasons.
Integrity: Researchers should approach their work with honesty and transparency.
Deception is a difficult exception that must be carefully considered.
Here are at least two ethical dilemmas involved:
Deception and Informed Consent:
The researcher purposefully misleads participants about the genuine purpose of the study. While
debriefing takes place later, the original lack of transparency violates the concept of informed
consent. Participants cannot legitimately consent to participate unless they understand what they
are consenting to. The information supplied was insufficient and misleading, prohibiting
participants from making an independent decision based on a thorough comprehension of the
research processes and potential dangers.
Justification:
Ethical principles state that participants should be given enough information to make an
informed decision regarding their involvement. Deception should be used only when absolutely
necessary, with good justification, and when other non-deceptive ways are not available.
Furthermore, the potential advantages of the research must outweigh the dangers provided by the
deception, and detailed debriefing is required to offset any potential harm. In this situation, the
deception is crucial to the research, but the basis for deceiving a vulnerable group requires close
inspection.
Potential for Psychological Harm and Exploitation of Vulnerable Individuals:
The study targets a vulnerable group and sets them in a scenario where they are encouraged to be
dishonest, which may lead to stress as a result of this conduct and the deception itself.
Restricting their freedom to depart until the completion of the trial exacerbates the risk of injury.
This raises problems concerning the ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence.
Researchers have a responsibility to prevent damage while maximizing benefits for participants.
Justification:
It is unethical to expose vulnerable people to situations that may cause stress, guilt, or negative
self-perception as a result of their participation in dishonest behavior. The power dynamic
between the researcher and vulnerable participants may reduce their ability to decline
participation or indicate discomfort during the investigation. Holding children in the study until
the finish, even if they become distressed, ignores their well-being and independence. The
possible psychological impact of deceit and forced engagement in dishonest behavior,
particularly on those already suffering hardships, must be carefully assessed and justified in light
of the research's potential advantages. The ethical premise of safeguarding vulnerable
populations against exploitation requires an exceptionally high level of care.