Legalization of Euthanasia - Research Proposal Example

Introduction Questions of ethics, morality and religion have arisen in various parts of the world and amongst different religious groups on the issueof euthanasia. Fr. Frank A. Pavone (n.d.) is of the firm conviction that suffering is not meaningless and human beings have no claim on death. He believes that this so-called mercy killing has nothing to do with mercy. It eliminates suffering while suffering has a reason behind it. Human life has infinite value and a person is worth more than the entire physical universe. Mill’s Harm Principle asserts that “Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign” (Rug, 2003). This restricts the power of physicians and others in the medical field to make decisions about the patient when the decision affects none other than the patient himself. Those against active termination of life do feel that legalizing assisted suicide does pose a threat to society and hence this principle is used to invoke a strong sense of defense of legalization of euthanasia. Arguments are in abundance of the situation when the agony of the patient is prolonged due to the life support system. The expenses too might be prohibitive for some families. What happens in such cases? The motives in withholding excessive treatment to the ailing should be right. Normal care should be given but when the end is imminent and inevitable, it is pointless to apply extraordinary measures of medicine. Hence the debate over euthanasia continues as medical advances increase the longevity of a person while suffering is also prolonged due to life-saving devices. It is essential to conduct a survey to determine the opinion of different segments of the society. Methodology Amaratunga et al., (2002) suggest that research strategy should be chosen as a function of the research situation. Each strategy has its own approach to collect and interpret data and hence its strategy has its own advantages and disadvantages. For this research the qualitative method (interpretive or inductive) of research will be used. Qualitative research is conducted through an intense and/or prolonged contact with the field of study. Qualitative data has the potential to reveal complexity. It is suitable for this topic and is easier to operate. Qualitative research has an inherent flexibility because data collection times and methods can change as the research proceeds and the situation evolves. Hence the qualitative method is more operational and more controllable. Qualitative data has been considered best strategy for discovery and exploring a new area. The purpose of this study is to determine the opinions of people from different age groups on euthanasia. For this research focus group methodology, which is a qualitative method would be applied. Focus group method has advantages as there is no discrimination against those cannot read or write and it encourages participation even from those who are otherwise reluctant to be interviewed alone (Kitzinger, 1995). Group interaction would generate group ideas and exchange of opinions. Focus-groups are effective in providing information on why people think the way they do. This has certain advantages even over the personal interviews as participants tend to be more comfortable and natural. Besides, they influence and are influenced by others just as they are in real life (Redmond & Griffith, 2003). This is particularly helpful in this research because there would be a series of open-ended questions. Since this research would study the opinions of the 21 year olds and the 80 year olds, the data collection would have to be done in two different environments. The 21-year age group would be interviewed at the university campus where students from different departments would be asked to attend. Prior participation would be confirmed with the help of the university authorities. The older age group would be contacted at social institutions like the care homes where it would be possible to get a sizeable number of samples. In each group, data would be collected from three different points, that is three focus groups at three different universities and three are homes from different counties. This would cover a wide range of opinion and provide depth to the research. To be useful, such primary data needs to be analysed. Sphinx software which is personal computer based analysis software will be useful to establish relationship between variables. The data would be analysed by the use of scales like Likert scales and Semantic Differential scales (Amaratunga et al., 2002). These will permit to measure the attitude of the youth as well as the older people towards legalizing euthanasia. To ensure that response rate is high, the participants would be informed in advance in both cases. In the case of the older group some sort of incentive would be provided. The discussion could be held during their evening teatime where most people are available after they have rested. Response rate at the universities is expected to be high as this is a subject of discussion and debate at universities anyway. Ethical consideration As far as the research topic is concerned, this is of interest to people of all ages and as such getting opinions of people would not be unethical. Even the data collection strategy designed for this research is ethical as does not intrude in anyone’s privacy. Nevertheless, before the focus group interview takes place, the aims and objectives of the research would be clearly stated. They would be informed of the benefits that it could reap for the society and they would be assured that on completion of the study the responses would be destroyed and the secrecy would be maintained. Limitations There is no unique research method and each method has its own difficulties. The categories listed for research may not be comprehensive or may require further sub-categories. Besides, it is difficult to predict how many participants would be willing to respond in the first place, and then how many would register true opinions. Being group discussion, it is also likely that some participants try to silence individual voices or prevent others from voicing their own opinions. References: Amaratunga, D., Baldry, D., Sarshar, M., & Newton, R., (2002), Quantitative and Qualitative Research in the built environment: application of mixed research approach, Work Study, Vol. 15 No. 1 2002, pp. 17-31 Kitzinger, J., (1995), Qualitative Research: Introducing focus groups, 03 Oct 2007 Pavone F A Fr (n.d.), Brief Reflections on Euthanasia, Priests for Life, 03 Oct 2007 Redmond, E. C., & Griffith, C. J., (2003), A comparison and evaluation of research methods used in consumer food safety studies, International Journal of Consumer Studies, 27, 1, January 2003, pp17–33 Rug (2003), The Harm Principle, 03 Oct 2007 Read More