1. Ethics and Politics of Research
Ethical principles of data collection
Institutional review boards
Ethical principles of research reporting
Political considerations

2. Principle 1: Voluntary participation
No coercion, persuasion
No inappropriate use of authority
Participants know they have a choice
May conflict with: generalizability of results
concealing researcher ID

3. Principle 2: No harm to participants
“Harm” may include embarrassment, psychological discomfort.
Harm may occur after publication of results.
Risk of harm may be justified if potential benefits are high AND participants are aware of risk.

4. Principle 3: Informed consent
Purpose of research
Who is doing the research
Risks
Benefits
Compensation
Participation is voluntary
No penalty for quitting early

5. Principle 4: Protect participants’ identity
Anonymity – researcher doesn’t know ID
Confidentiality – researcher knows but
keeps secret.
Increased concern for privacy
Destroy all identifying info after finishing study
Be cautious of leaks, subpoenas

6. Principle 5: Benefits outweigh risks
Consider costs, risks, benefits to:
Research participant
Society/ community
Scientific knowledge

7. Institutional Review Boards
Required by federal law for any institution that receives federal funds.
Used at most universities, regardless of funding
Composed of faculty, other researchers
All research projects must be pre-approved
Major purpose is protection of subjects’ rights

8. U of MN Research Review Boards
Link to web page:

9. Research Reporting Ethics
Honest accounting of methods
Honest presentation of results
Acknowledge weaknesses of study
Keep complete records
Avoid using data to “lie”
Acknowledge sponsors, reviewers, and others who helped
Protect subjects’ identity

10. Political Issues in Research
Objectivity vs. solving social problems
Controversial findings
Public reaction, interpretation
Sponsorship or payment