Researchers must consider human dignity at all times no matter the type of research regarding the impact on the human community, cost, or any other aspect. Research ethics play a critical role in ensuring a research follows relevant ethical principles. The two core ethical principles that a researcher must observe at all time when conducting research involving human subjects are respect for persons and justice.
Respect for persons
Respect for persons is one of the most important ethical principles in research concerning human subject. The principle assists researchers recognize the intrinsic value of a human subject and provide the respect demanded. Every study using human capital must acknowledge the person's right to make decisions, give their side of view, and take actions that are supported by personal beliefs and values. In the modern era of internet-based data exchange, researchers must consider risks and benefits of utilizing databases with personal information. According to Mathews, & Jamal (2014), the United States Federal Policy responsible for the protection of human subjects require all investigators to seek free, informed and ongoing consent before engaging any human subject in a study that requires them to use individually identified biological data in a research study. The requirement reflects the participant’s commitment and willingness to participate in research including using individual data is an issue of choice.
Justice
Research involving human subjects must treat everybody participating equitably and fairly. The aspect of fairness in the research shows the ability of the investigator to treat all subjects with equal concern and respect. The investigator must observe the equal distribution of burdens and benefits to all participants of the research study. In many cases, differences in treatments take place because not every research can treat human subjects equitably. Differences caused by vulnerability always appear because of limited capacity or access opportunities, rights, and power. The most vulnerable groups in research are children, women, prisoners, elderly, and people suffering from mental problems. Researchers should give such groups special attention and treat them justly since they often face inequitable and adjustable treatments. On the other hand, researchers must observe individual factors such as power and opportunities based on the person’s merit to promote equality and fairness (Feinsod, and Wagner, 2008).
References
Feinsodm F.M., and Wagner, C. (2008). The Ethical Principle of Justice: The Purveyor of
Equality. Annals of Long-term Care, 17(54), 84-178.
Mathews, D. J. H., & Jamal, L. (2014). Revisiting Respect for Persons in Genomic Research.
Genes, 5(1), 1–12.
