Ethical dilemma

Definition

An ethical dilemma is a situation in which a person faces a conflict between two or more moral principles, making it difficult to choose the right course of action. In the context of research and topic selection, ethical dilemmas often arise when researchers must weigh the potential benefits of their work against the possible harm to individuals or communities involved. This can include considerations such as consent, confidentiality, and the impact of the findings on society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethical dilemmas in research can arise when the pursuit of knowledge conflicts with the rights and well-being of individuals involved.
2. Researchers are often required to navigate complex ethical guidelines that govern how they conduct their studies and report their findings.
3. Balancing the interests of the research community with those of participants is crucial in resolving ethical dilemmas.
4. Ethical dilemmas can lead to significant consequences for researchers, including loss of credibility and legal ramifications if not handled properly.
5. Addressing ethical dilemmas typically involves engaging in thorough discussions with institutional review boards and adhering to established ethical standards.

Review Questions

• How can researchers identify and address ethical dilemmas during their research process?
  • Researchers can identify ethical dilemmas by closely examining their study design, considering potential conflicts between their research goals and participants' rights. They should actively assess risks versus benefits, engage with relevant ethical guidelines, and seek feedback from colleagues or ethics boards. Addressing these dilemmas often involves developing protocols that prioritize participant welfare while achieving research objectives.
• Discuss the implications of ethical dilemmas on the credibility and trustworthiness of research findings.
  • Ethical dilemmas can significantly impact the credibility and trustworthiness of research findings. If researchers fail to address ethical concerns appropriately, it can lead to questions about the validity of their work and diminish public trust in scientific research. Ethical breaches may result in retractions of published studies or damage to professional reputations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining rigorous ethical standards throughout the research process.
• Evaluate how balancing beneficence and participant autonomy presents challenges in resolving ethical dilemmas in research.
  • Balancing beneficence, which focuses on maximizing benefits and minimizing harm, with participant autonomy, which emphasizes individuals' rights to make informed decisions about their involvement, creates complex challenges. Researchers must navigate situations where what may benefit society or advance knowledge could potentially infringe upon individual rights or expose participants to risks. Effective resolution requires careful consideration of both principles, engaging in transparent communication with participants, and ensuring that consent is truly informed while maintaining a commitment to doing good.

Related terms

Informed Consent:

A process through which researchers ensure that participants understand the nature of the research, including any risks involved, before agreeing to take part.

Confidentiality:

The ethical principle that requires researchers to protect the identity and personal information of study participants from unauthorized access.

Beneficence: An ethical principle that emphasizes the obligation to maximize benefits and minimize harm to participants in research.