Reference
- ExperimentationThe term, experimentation, refers to the manipulation of an independent variable and the subsequent measurement of a dependent variable. Furthermore, experimenters randomly assign participants to either a treatment group or control group. On the one hand, treatment groups are presented with the actual manipulation of the independent variable or treatment. On the other hand, control groups are given some sort of false manipulation or placebo. The control group serves as a standard by which to compare the treatment group. Since proper random assignment assures that respondents are essentially similar across these groups, experimenters assume that any differences accounted for in the measurement of the dependent variable are the result of the treatment.
The main criticism regarding experimentation concerns the artificiality of the laboratory setting. It is argued that laboratory settings are too artificial; consequently, experiments offer little insight about how people act in more “natural” settings. Experimenters argue that this criticism is invalid because specific findings need not necessarily be replicated in a natural setting. That is, theoretical scope conditions specify the circumstances under which an experiment’s findings may be supported.
The role that experimentation plays in sociological social psychology is a crucial one. Moreover, experimentation offers many advantages pertaining to constructing, empirical testing, and modifying theory. Experimenters maintain that these goals are requisite for any legitimate social science; it is their dedication to these goals that indicates the importance of experimentation.
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Perspectives
Chimera's Children
The idea of human-nonhuman combinations has been a recurrent theme throughout the history of humanity. From the myths of the Minotaur and the centaurs in ancient Greece to the dogheads of the Middle Ages right through to the monsters of modern science fiction, these beings have always been a source of fascination. In recent years, however, biomedical advances have demonstrated the potential to make these entities a reality through the creation of inter-species combinations. As a result, pressing and perplexing ethical questions arise. Introducing the reader to the historical context of human-nonhuman experimentation and potential future developments, this volume offers clarification, analysis and a thorough overview of the ethical challenges relating to human-nonhuman chimeras, true hybrids, cybrids and other combinations.This book is the first accessible survey of the different ethical dilemmas facing contemporary society in the creation of human-nonhuman embryonic, foetal and postnatal entities. These include important cultural, legal, philosophical and religious perspectives. As such it will act as a springboard for future debate.
Lesser Harms
Research physicians face intractable dilemmas when they consider introducing new medical procedures. Innovations carry the promise of preventing or curing life-threatening diseases, but they can also lead to injury or even death. How have clinical scientists made high-stakes decisions about undertaking human tests of new medical treatments? In "Lesser Harms," Sydney Halpern explores this issue as she examines vaccine trials in America during the early and mid-twentieth century. Today''s scientists follow federal guidelines for research on human subjects developed during the 1960s and 1970s. But long before these government regulations, medical investigators observed informal rules when conducting human research. They insisted that the dangers of natural disease should outweigh the risks of a medical intervention, and they struggled to accurately assess the relative hazards. Halpern explores this logic of risk in immunization controversies extending as far back as the eighteenth century. Then, focusing on the period between 1930 and 1960, she shows how research physicians and their sponsors debated the moral quandaries involved in moving vaccine use from the laboratory to the clinic. This probing work vividly describes the efforts of clinical investigators to balance the benefits and dangers of untested vaccines, to respond to popular sentiment about medical hazards, and to strategically present risk laden research to sponsors and the public. OC Concise and extremely well-written. . . . A fascinating synthesis of sociology, history, and institutional theory.OCOOCoSamuel C. Blackman, "Journal of the American Medical Association ""
Responsible Conduct of Research
Recent scandals and controversies such as the fabrication of data in federally funded science, the manipulation and distortion of research sponsored by private companies, human embryonic stem cell research, cloning, and the patenting of DNA and cell lines, illustrate the importance of ethicsin scientific research. Responsible Conduct of Research, now in a completely updated second edition, provides an introduction to the social, ethical, and legal issues facing scientists today.
Ethics in Research
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This video lecture discusses the meaning, nature, and dynamics of the ethics in research or research ethics.
Ethical Research Practices
- Films on Demand This link opens in a new windowThe American Sociological Association sets guidelines for ethical research. These include: informed consent, voluntary participation, non-harmful research, and privacy. Hear examples of unethical research.
Principles and Guidelines for Ethical Research and Evaluation in Development
- Principles and Guidelines for Ethical Research and Evaluation in DevelopmentThis short animation provides an outline of the Principles and Guidelines for Ethical Research and Evaluation in Development, co-published by the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and the Research for Development Impact Network.