Research Ethics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What type of research does Martha’s study represent by interviewing the same group of inmates over multiple years?

Deductive research

Cross-sectional research

Time-series research (correct)

Panel study (correct)

What is a characteristic feature of longitudinal research compared to cross-sectional research?

It requires fewer ethical considerations.

It collects data from the same subjects at multiple points in time. (correct)

It collects data at one point in time.

It collects data from different subjects at different times.

Which of the following ethical considerations emphasizes the importance of participants voluntarily agreeing to take part in research?

Anonymity and confidentiality

No harm to participants

Informed consent (correct)

Scientific obligation

Which option is synonymous with time-series research?

Trend study Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following obligations ranks highest in the ethical considerations of social research?

A scientific obligation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS2) in research ethics?

To govern procedures and standards for research in Canada Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the ethical principles outlined in TCPS2?

Maximizing publicity of findings Signup and view all the answers

What ethical issue did the study 'Tearoom Trade' illustrate regarding deception in research?

Participants' willingness to engage was influenced by deception Signup and view all the answers

Informed consent ensures that participants are aware of which of the following?

The purpose, process, risks, and benefits of the research Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of balancing risks and benefits in research?

Balancing harms and benefits of research Signup and view all the answers

Which situation does NOT require informed consent from participants?

Observational studies in public places Signup and view all the answers

What potential risk is associated with the use of deception in research?

Legal ramifications for researchers Signup and view all the answers

What was a common justification for eugenics programs in Canada and the U.S.?

Blaming social problems on certain populations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of providing a rationale for deception in research?

To justify the necessity of the study and the use of deception. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes anonymity from confidentiality in research involving sensitive information?

Anonymity means not even the researcher knows the subjects' identities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of using covert observation in research?

Generation of mistrust and distrust among participants. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical ethical requirement following a study that involved deception?

To inform participants about the nature of the deception post-study. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of conflict of interest that researchers must disclose?

Academic misconduct from other researchers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of longitudinal research design?

Data is collected multiple times over an extended period. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is essential in the ethics of the research process during data collection?

Informing participants of the researchers' intentions. Signup and view all the answers

Which is a key concern regarding vulnerable individuals in research?

They may have limited cognitive capacity and face potential exploitation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Ethics

Ethics are critical for research involving people.
Not all projects require formal review but all should consider ethical dimensions.
The Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS2) governs research standards and procedures in Canada.
Research involving humans must be reviewed and approved by a research ethics review board (REB).
Research ethics aims to ensure ethical conduct by researchers.

Research Ethics Decision Process

Direct interaction with people (conversation, surveys, etc.)?
- Yes: Consider if the project involves sensitive topics or personal data.
- No: Likely do not need formal review.
Are you gathering data from human participants & sharing publicly?
- Yes: Consider sensitive topics, data protection & privacy.
- No: Likely do not need formal review.
Indigenous participants, children or vulnerable groups, people in health/school settings?
- Yes: May need to consider alternative access to avoid complications.
Sensitive topics (health, sexuality, etc.)?
- Yes: A plan to protect wellbeing and data privacy is needed.
Personal data (name, address, etc.) needed?
- Yes: Data security and privacy are critical.
Sharing raw data?
- Shared with team only: No need for formal review.
- Shared with the public: Need for formal review.

Research Problem & Research Questions

Assignment brief to draft a research problem, quantitative and qualitative questions.
Research problem: Briefly outline the 'who, what, where, when, and why'. (maximum 3 pages)
Research questions: Clear statement of a qualitative and quantitative criminological research question.

Ethical and Political Considerations

Research ethics guides the accepted standards within scientific communities.
TCPS2 provides standards and procedures for Canadian research.
Shared values & ethical norms guide ethics review processes in various disciplines.
All human participant research must be approved by an ethics board (REB).

Code of Ethics

TCPS2 includes fundamental ethical principles such as:
- Respect for human dignity
- Respect for free & informed consent
- Respect for vulnerable persons
- Respect for privacy & confidentiality
- Respect for justice & procedural fairness
- Balancing potential harms & benefits of research
- Minimizing harm to participants
- Maximizing the benefits of the research

Eugenics

A discredited science to improve society by controlling reproduction to increase desirable traits and reduce unwanted ones.
Canadian & U.S. eugenics programs based on blaming social issues on 'backward' populations.

Tearoom Trade

Men met in public bathrooms.
Deception used in the study.
Ethical concerns involved potential harm to participants (blackmail, jail).

Minimal Risk

All research involves risk; relative risks vs. benefits need to be considered.
Potential harm includes physical harm, psychological abuse, and legal ramifications.

Participants must be informed of the research purpose, process, associated risks and benefits, and data use.
Consent is required from participants before involvement in research.
Consent is not needed for observation in public spaces.
Participants can withdraw consent at any time.

Deception used in research studies (misrepresentation).
Reasons for needing deception, e.g., acquiring data or gaining access.
Subjects must be informed and informed consent acquired after the study.

Vulnerable Individuals

Vulnerable individuals (e.g. limited cognitive capacity, power imbalances, history of oppression) must be considered in research.
"Parachute" researchers: lack of local involvement.
Research fatigue perceptions (research is not addressing local concerns).

Confidentiality & Anonymity

Researchers must respect participants' privacy by guaranteeing confidentiality or anonymity.
Confidentiality means the researcher knows the participants but the data is kept secret.
Anonymity means researcher doesn't have knowledge of participants.

Ethics through Research Process

Developing research questions (open-minded approach).
Data Collection (inform participants).
Consent from participants.
Data analysis.
Research writing.
Project dissemination.

Conflict of Interest

Trust relationship between researchers, participants, sponsors, institutions, professional associations, and society.
Researchers disclose potential conflicts of interest to the REB.

Scientific Misconduct

Includes fabricating, falsifying, or plagiarizing research data.
Violating accepted scientific practices for proposing, conducting, and reporting research.

Types of Research Design

Longitudinal research: Collect data multiple times over time (time series, cohort, panel studies).
Cross-sectional research: Collect data at a single point in time.

Testing Your Knowledge

Example questions and scenarios about research design and ethical considerations.

Summary

Cross-sectional vs. Longitudinal research designs in collecting data.
Key ethical considerations in research (risk of harm, informed consent, voluntary participation, confidentiality, anonymity, scientific misconduct, conflict of interest).

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Description

This quiz explores the key principles of research ethics, focusing on ethical considerations when conducting studies involving human participants. It includes information on the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS2) and decision-making processes for research ethics review. Test your knowledge on the importance of ethical conduct in research!