Home > Working Scientifically > Ethics in Experimental Design > Obligations
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Home > Working Scientifically > Ethics in Experimental Design > Obligations |
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Researchers have four types of obligations that need to be applied when conducting research. Obligations to subjects Humans – A major consideration in studies that involve human subjects is the potential for intrusion into the privacy of the subjects, which must be balanced against the benefits that might be gained for society as a whole if the study takes place. The principle of informed consent should apply. Subjects should be told exactly why a study is taking place and the potential benefits from the study, and then invited to take part without any pressure being put on them to do so. They should also be allowed to withdraw freely at any time, and have their contribution to the study removed. If observations on subjects are made without their knowledge then researchers should consider the likely reaction of subjects if they were made aware of what as being done. The deception of subjects in order to gain information is very hard to justify. The researcher should do as much as possible to protect subjects from any harm or disturbances resulting from their participation in a study. The principle of subjecting human subjects to inconvenience and stress needs to be considered. The study should be large enough to give a high probability of providing clear evidence of any effects that are of practical importance, but should not be unnecessarily large. . Animals – There are rules about how animals are acquired and cared for, and the steps that must be taken to minimize discomfort and pain. The section on animals in experiments contains more information. Sample sizes should be large enough to enable realistic levels of effects to be detected, but not so large as to cause any unnecessary suffering or sacrifice of animals.
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Ethics in Experimental Design Working Scientifically |