Download Consider the following research situations. What is the ethical

Consider the following research situations. What is the ethical component in each example? How
do you feel about it? Do you think the procedures described are ultimately acceptable or
unacceptable?
1. A researcher studying dorm life on campus discovers that 60 percent of the residents regularly
violate restrictions on alcohol consumption. Publication of the finding would probably create a
furor in the campus community. Because no extensive analysis of alcohol use is planned, the
researcher decides to keep his findings quiet.
The ethical component in the case of the researcher who inadvertently discovered
prohibited alcohol consumption among dorm residents is that he is privy to valuable information
which directly affects the health of the population he is studying. This information may be key to
the school administration’s success and to the individual students’ success. Further, there is the
very real question of whether the researcher does have an obligation to share his findings,
considering that the university and individual students had to consent to his presence and study.
This obligation can be viewed in the context of morality as well as professionalism.
While there are clear and compelling reasons to advocate for full disclosure, there are
some arguments against it. First, the researcher is understandably concerned about upsetting
community members. This could endanger his access to the community he wishes to study and
jeopardize further research. Second, while the researcher is apparently concerned at the
widespread policy violations, it is quite possible that the alcohol use, while technically
inappropriate, falls well within the norms for this population in other schools as well. In other
words, to the extent that social norms dictate acceptable use, the use on this campus may be a
non-issue. Third, it is possible that disclosure could lead to demands from administrators to
release the names of policy violators, which would cause a further conflict for the researcher.
In the end however, the answer is clear that the sociologist has a responsibility, above all,
to not only study, but to advocate for the well-being of the community. The overriding issue is
not that a rule has been broken, or that feelings might be hurt, but that a large population of
college students may be doing themselves harm through excessive alcohol consumption. If that is
the case, the researcher is obligated to report. If that is not the case, no obligation exists. This
decision is supported by the American Sociological Association, which states as part of general
principle B “sociologists… do not knowingly make statements that are false, misleading or
deceptive.” The code goes on to state that “sociologists… apply and make public their
knowledge in order to contribute to the public good (ASA, 1999).” These dual principals mean
that Pandora’s box should not be closed: what the researcher discovers, even by accident should
be shared to benefit the college community, though while maintaining the individual
confidentiality of students.
Reference
American Sociological Association. (1999). ASA code of ethics. Retrieved from the American
Sociological Association website: http://www.asanet.org/about/ethics.cfm
2. A research questionnaire is circulated among students as part of their university registration
packet. Although students are not told they must complete the questionnaire, the hope is that they
will believe they must—thus ensuring a higher completion rate.
The ethical component in regards to administrators slipping an optional questionnaire into a
packet comprised of required materials for the critical process of registering to college is that of
misrepresentation. By ensuring students fill out the questionnaire, administrators are using false
pretenses for what they likely believe is the higher good. While this may seem like a clear cut
example of Machiavellian manipulation (the ends justify the means), there are some critical
considerations from the sociological perspective that should be employed to objectively weigh
the acceptability of this choice.
College students are, like most of the population, unlikely to do paperwork that does not
directly benefit them either financially or academically. Obviously aware of this, the
administrators have decided that the value of the research warrants mailing it. Research among
this population can cover a range of important topics and it may well be worth exceptional
efforts to collect responses. Further, the researchers may have concluded that the cost to the
students is minimal; a study may take fifteen minutes or less to complete and is likely free to
mail back, considering the rest of the registration packet must be submitted regardless. Indeed, it
is quite likely that the research results will be used to directly benefit the college student
population, in ways ranging from better procedures, better instruction, more tailored assistance,
and any number of other possible improved outcomes.
Despite the low cost of participation, the likely innocuous nature of the survey, and the
positive intentions of the college administration and researchers, there are a number of
compelling arguments against this method of hiding optional surveys among required paperwork.
First, the students are unaware of the purpose for the research. Second, they have no opportunity
to consent to the research: they are nearly compelled to complete the survey for fear of not
properly registering. Third, there is no guarantee, or even discussion, of confidentiality. Fourth,
administrators likely have access to the responses: there seems to be no known control on who
has access to the documents. These concerns are dealt with in the ASA Code of Ethics’ general
principles, including integrity and respect for people’s rights, as well as specific sections on
conflicts of interests, public communications, confidentiality, or informed consent (ASA, 1999).
For all of these reasons, it is essential that the administration provide a full disclosure of the
nature, purpose and optionality of the research survey going forward.
Reference
American Sociological Association. (1999). ASA code of ethics. Retrieved from the American
Sociological Association website: http://www.asanet.org/about/ethics.cfm