Introduction to Ethics in Research

• 6 key principles for ethical research (ESRC)

  • Research should aim to maximise benefit for individuals and society and minimise risk and harm
  • The rights and dignity of individuals and groups should be respected
  • Wherever possible, participation should be voluntary and appropriately informed
  • Research should be conducted with integrity and transparency
  • Lines of responsibility and accountability should be clearly defined
  • Independence of research should be maintained and where conflicts of interest cannot be avoided they should be made explicit
• Also helpful to be aware of:

  • Beauchamp and Childress' (1989) 4 principles of medical ethics:
  • respect for autonomy - consent, confidentiality, an absence of deceit, clear and honest communication
  • beneficence and non-maleficence - net benefit over harm - remembering this is individual, so what helps one person might harm another
  • justice - e.g. the fair allocation of resources, allowing free and informed choice