Research Ethics

Research Ethics

Research Ethics

Science journalists and other communicators of scientific information often write about or otherwise respond to a variety of ethical controversies that arise in research, such as claims about falsified data or the mistreatment of subjects in research. Frequently, when the topic of research ethics is raised, a discussion of “human subjects' research” follows. However, research ethics encompasses a broader domain that includes issues beyond those involving the participation of human beings in research or the performance of unethical behavior. Research ethics includes values, regulations, guidelines, and norms that structure how research should be conducted. Further, although the perception tends to be that the focus of research ethics is about forms of misconduct, it is not merely about wrongdoing. Research ethics also addresses the more “positive” facets of research, including how to be more productive, how to create a more collegial environment, and what is needed to uphold the public's trust (Elizabeth, 2004).

The terms research ethics and responsible conduct of research are often used interchangeably, but they do not always mean the same thing. In some contexts, for example, the former term refers to the more theoretical, philosophical dimensions of research, which may include asking whether ethical theory is useful in resolving a particular research problem. On the other hand, the focus of the latter term tends to be on research compliance, which involves how researchers, administrators, and others should adhere to laws, regulations, and institutional guidelines governing research. Yet when scholars use the term research ethics, frequently they intend to address both philosophical and compliance-related matters.

Among the main types of resources that might assist researchers in the effort to learn about ethically appropriate research practice are ethics codes from professional organizations, institutional guidelines, journal policies, and government regulations and laws. Research ethics discussions also take place in scholarly publications as well as within the pages of other publications that reach scientific communities and the public (Berry, 2004).

Topic Areas within the Domain of Research Ethics

A key focal point of animal welfare concern is determining whether using a particular species of animal in an experiment is justified. Other related issues include whether a less sophisticated species could be used and whether an alternative form of experimentation, such as a computer simulation, might be appropriate.

Within the realm of collaborative science are ethical issues that emerge from working together with other researchers. For example, students might have disputes over who should have access to laboratory equipment when the equipment is shared. Another example is when professors working together at different institutions disagree over when data are ready for publication. It can be ethically problematic to publish data before members of the research team reach a consensus.

Conflicts of interest and commitment involve concerns about whether professional obligations are being upheld. Roughly stated, a conflict of interest is a situation where two or more competing interests could interfere with the objectivity of a person's professional judgment. Although there is a tendency to focus on how money can influence decision making, conflicts of interest ...