The Importance of Research Ethics - Essay Example

"The Importance of Research Ethics" is an astonishing example of a paper on medical ethics.
Research plays a very imperative role in development and advancement in any given society. Indeed, the world has achieved its present status through thousands of successful research. However, it is of utmost importance for researchers to uphold high levels of integrity while researching to avoid ethical issues and dilemmas. Therefore, ethics becomes the core guiding principle for any research especially works involving human interaction.

Research ethics ensure that no participants or subjects of the research are subjected to any harm. This calls for the use of safe research methodologies and procedures. Participants have the right to know the implications of their involvement in the research work. Therefore, giving them adequate information regarding the research enables them to make a willful decision to participate.

Some research work may cause substantial harm to participants. However, the benefits of such research may justify the course of action. In such instances, ethical standards are very important. Participants should be well informed of all potential dangers. Only after their willful consent and consent of relevant authority to participate, can the research work progress (Gregory, 2003).

Some participants may not be in a position to understand the purpose of research or research implications thereof. Although their input into the research is important, consent from relevant authorities ensures that such participants are not exposed to unwarranted complications.

Ethical guidelines are particularly important when financial inducements may be used in research work. Such or other financial obligations must be used within reasonable means. This is only possible through the exercise of ethics. Ethics demands that a participant’s data be held with the utmost integrity to preserve confidentiality. This ensures that the information does not end up on the wrong hands (Sharon, 1994).

Key Issues worth Consideration

My work research focusses on surveying a sample of adult residents from Amman – Jordan about their knowledge of Beta-Thalassemia. The survey will primarily target only people who are over 18 years. Additionally, the survey will only interview normal human beings who have free will and ability to understand the nature of the research. Participants will be debriefed of the nature of research to allow them to make an informed choice when agreeing to participate.

The research will make it free for any potential participant to consent or decline. All collected or analyzed data will remain confidential as stipulated in the code of ethics. The questionnaires will be filled anonymously and therefore the identity of interviewees will not be disclosed. This is particularly important since the information might involve recounting a family history of thalassemia related complications within a family. The participants will however be allowed to sign at the end of the questionnaires that they participated at their free will.

All the questions in the questionnaire will be carefully drafted to ensure that participants are not implicated in any way. They should not be forced to divulge information related to other people. However, a provision will be made such that the interviewees can respond to some questions and leave others, as they deem appropriate. Cases, symptoms, and issues of Beta Thalassemia may only be known and understood by mature members of society. To avoid compromising the authenticity of research results, more of these members will be considered for interviews. This will ensure that the purpose of the research is accomplished. Observing all the codes of ethics will ensure that the research work protects and preserves the integrity of all the participants.