Conducting Ethical Research

Conducting Ethical Research

I chose the role of Jen Klein, who was the study coordinator. One of the choices I had to make was to decide whether to enroll the clients for the study without the approval of the IRB as suggested by the principal investigator or to stand up to him and do the right thing. Sometimes, individuals are torn between obedience to authority and doing the right thing. However, it is important to note that obtaining IRB approval is vital in human research (Passer, 2021).

Another choice I had to make involved the incident where the study participant was willing to sign the informed consent document without fully comprehending the details of the study, such as its purpose and possible harms. In this case, the client and her son were desperate and needed to start the trial as soon as possible. I would have let the participant begin the trial without ensuring that she fully understood, but I chose otherwise. Stangor (2010) writes that informed consent involves explaining the study purpose, potential risks and benefits, and the client’s right to withdraw their participation at any point of the trial. It is essential to ensure that the participant understands these.

By obtaining informed consent and ensuring the participant fully understands the nature of the study, there would be a reduced possibility of litigation or lawsuits, a better relationship with the participants, and improved autonomy, trust, and respect. This would enhance the outcome of the study as well as the participants. Obtaining IRB approval before commencing the trial would also help improve integrity and lessen the possibility of any fines or lawsuits.

Funding and stress can result in unethical choices. According to Bellé and Cantarelli (2017), stress due to time pressure can cause researchers to indulge in unethical behavior. In this case, one of the decisions made was data falsification, and these two factors might explain this. Furthermore, when there is minimal funding, researchers are likely to indulge in data falsification.

References

Bellé, N., & Cantarelli, P. (2017). What causes unethical behavior? A meta‐analysis to set an agenda for public administration research. Public Administration Review, 77(3), 327-339.

Passer, M.W. (2021). Research Methods: Concepts and Connections (3ed). Macmillan International Higher Education.

Stangor, C. (2010). Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences. (4th ed). Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

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P300 Discuss
In the field of psychology, it is essential that research be conducted ethically. This is important for protecting research participants from potential harm and ensuring that their rights are not violated. Often, many different people work on a research project. Anyone who is part of a research study can run into ethical issues. At these times, the choice made can have a significant impact on the participant, the study, and the person who is making the choice.

Conducting Ethical Research

Watch the video The Research Clinic.

Choose which role you want to assume (Principal Investigator, Study Coordinator, IRB Administrator, or Research Assistant), and please respond to the following:

Discuss two of the choices you had to make, and explain what you learned about ethical issues from these choices.
How can the choices made within the role you chose affect the outcome of the study and those who are participating in the study?
What factors (e.g., personal, funding, stress) might sometimes lead to unethical choices?
TEXTBOOK:
Passer, M. (2020). Research Methods (3rd Edition). Macmillan Higher Education. https://purdueuniversityglobal.vitalsource.com/books/9781319363536