Ethical Theory and Research Ethics
Of what practical use are theoretical considerations in research ethics?
I posed this question to students in research ethics and asked them to explain how different ethical theories might (a) justify one rule from their professional code and/or (b) draw our attention to different considerations bearing on the rule.
Here, with the students' permissions, are four responses.
posted by Gary Comstock @ 12:54 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
American Psychological Association Ethical Code:
8.07 Deception in Research
(a) Psychologists do not conduct a study involving deception unless they have determined that the use of deceptive techniques is justified by the study's significant prospective scientific, educational, or applied value and that effective nondeceptive alternative procedures are not feasible.
(b) Psychologists do not deceive prospective participants about research that is reasonably expected to cause physical pain or severe emotional distress.
(c) Psychologists explain any deception that is an integral feature of the design and conduct of an experiment to participants as early as is feasible, preferably at the conclusion of their participation, but no later than at the conclusion of the data collection, and permit participants to withdraw their data. (See also Standard 8.08, Debriefing.)
Egoism: As a research psychologist, I need to conduct studies on human subjects to fulfill my long-term goals of publishing papers that contribute to our knowledge of human behavior. In order to conduct these studies, I need to be able to justify my research methods to university review boards. If I do research involving arbitrary or distressing deception, I am likely to have my research slowed down or stopped by the IRB. Therefore, I should avoid using deception unless there is no other way to conduct the research, the deception will produce no long-term harm, and the research is valuable enough to justify the use of deception.
Virtue Theory: Psychologists are in the business of helping others. If psychologists gain a reputation of using deception in research, our profession may be viewed with mistrust by the public. If the public learns to mistrust us, they will not come to psychologists for help. Therefore, I should do my best to avoid using deception.
Utilitarianism: Since our goal is to maximize aggregate happiness, we must weigh whether the average benefit gained from conducting research using deception outweighs the average pain caused individuals who participate in our research. I will therefore only use deception if the research is of high value to society and causes as little distress or pain as possible.
Moral Rights: Each individual has the right to be treated with respect. Lying to someone is disrespectful. Therefore, if I should do my best to avoid using deception in research. (Or clear up the deception as soon as possible, if the deception cannot be avoided – not sure if this is even justifiable with a moral rights argument).
J. M. Saquing
Dept. of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
NSPE Code 4.1
Engineers shall seek opportunities to participate in civic affairs; career guidance for youths; and work for the advancement of the safety, health and well-being of their community.
Egoist:
Participation in civic affairs will promote good public relations and widen one’s network of potential clients. Excellent public relation is good for business and reputation. It will facilitate public support and approval of community infrastructure.
Virtue Theory:
Community service and advancement of safety, health and well-being of the public are amongst the traits expected of a good engineer. These activities exemplify virtuous conduct.
Utilitarianism:
The advancement of safety, health and well being of the community is beneficial to every member of the society. Engineering design and systems are integral component of the infrastructure that sustains life in this world. An improperly designed sanitary landfill or bridge could incur environmental hazards not only to the present but also to the future generations. Therefore, it is important for engineers to consider public safety and welfare.
Moral Rights Theory:
Every member of the society has the right to live in a safe and healthy community. The future generations have also the right to live in a safe and healthy environment. So, engineers should not take for granted the safety factor incorporated in various designs. It is the right of the community to be served well.
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