An academic’s An academic’s perspective on perspective on

teaching research teaching research ethics to UG studentsethics to UG students

Dr Jennifer BurrDr Jennifer BurrScHARR Ethics CommitteeScHARR Ethics Committee

Four PsFour Ps

I.I. Principles of ethical researchPrinciples of ethical research

II.II. Processes of ethical researchProcesses of ethical research

III.III. PeoplePeople

IV.IV. Practicalities (or procedures) of Practicalities (or procedures) of ethical researchethical research

Why bother with research Why bother with research ethics?ethics?

MUST DOMUST DO

RIGOUR, RESPECT & RESPONSIBILITYRIGOUR, RESPECT & RESPONSIBILITY

Integrity Integrity

Guidelines for ethical Guidelines for ethical researchresearch

Relationship between normative values Relationship between normative values and their applicationand their application

1.1. Informed consent:Informed consent:2.2. Confidentiality:Confidentiality:3.3. Subject rights and welfare: indemnity. Subject rights and welfare: indemnity. 4.4. Subject risk-potential benefits ratio: risks Subject risk-potential benefits ratio: risks

outweighed by probably benefitsoutweighed by probably benefits

Processes: the case for Processes: the case for upstream thinkingupstream thinking

1.1. Integrity Integrity

2.2. Relationship between how research Relationship between how research ought to be conducted (normative) ought to be conducted (normative) and how it is applied (processes)and how it is applied (processes)

3.3. Dependent upon context. Dependent upon context.

People (are vulnerable)People (are vulnerable)

One is surprised to find so many One is surprised to find so many professional ethical volumes in which professional ethical volumes in which [the word suffering] does not appear as [the word suffering] does not appear as an entry in the index. Ethical systems an entry in the index. Ethical systems that leave the problem of suffering that leave the problem of suffering (and related concepts of endurance and (and related concepts of endurance and courage) to particular theological courage) to particular theological traditions cannot adequately engage traditions cannot adequately engage the human core of illness and care. the human core of illness and care.

A. KleinmanA. Kleinman

PracticalitiesPracticalities

Apply and reflect (through case Apply and reflect (through case studies)studies)

Reinforce (ScHARR Research and Reinforce (ScHARR Research and Governance web site and provision of Governance web site and provision of UREC material). UREC material).

Ensure that all supervisors are aware Ensure that all supervisors are aware of requirements for ethical research of requirements for ethical research (back to integrity)(back to integrity)

ConclusionsConclusions Understanding the reasons why ethics Understanding the reasons why ethics

approval is required (other than a MUST)approval is required (other than a MUST) Understanding the principles which Understanding the principles which

constitute ethical researchconstitute ethical research Research ethics as process not box Research ethics as process not box

ticking.ticking. Involves people and people are Involves people and people are

vulnerablevulnerable Understand the procedures. Understand the procedures.