Definition of scientific method
Bauer (1994) defines scientific method a systematic, controlled observation or experiment whose results leads to hypothesis, which can be valid or invalid through further work. In addition, the hypothesis results to the formulation of theories that may be reliable due to the critical approach that was used in the method. Information obtained from the scientific method can lead to classifying previously established data as false and open new avenues where further research is done.
Importance of Scientific Research
Through scientific research, new knowledge in various fields can be acquired. In addition, this knowledge can be used to establish standards of practice in the various fields especially in the medical field. Through scientific research, new technologies are developed. This assist in solving problems existing problems. Furthermore, scientific research helps young scientist in developing their technical and analytical skills and learn appropriate skills in the different designs of scientific experiments (Bauer,1994).
Criteria for Quantitative research
Some of the criteria used in evaluating quantitative research method include value, scientific soundness, favorable risk-benefit ratio, fair subject selection, independent review, respect for enrolled subjects, and informed consent (Childress, Meslin & Shapiro, 2005).. Some of these criteria are discussed below. The quantitative method should be able to provide improvements in the research being done. An example of research that does not add value would include a clinical trial with no definite results. The quantitative method should add knowledge to the society or the study subject. This is of importance especially where financial resources are constrained.
Another criterion to be observed in quantitative research is scientific soundness. Ethical research should be conducted in a rigorous manner. In addition, the quantitative methods must be practicality feasible and valid. The quantitative method must allow fair selection of subjects. The process of fair selection of subjects involves the use of the goals of the study as the basis for selection of subjects. In addition, no selection should be done based on vulnerability or favors of the subjects. Further, no group exclusion without provision of a reliable and credible scientific reason is unacceptable.
Favorable risk-benefit ratio allows justification of the scientific research. The quantitative research method should ensure minimal risks to the subjects. This will include the procedures adopted in the process of conducting research. Methods that have a higher risk to benefit ratio should be avoided in the research. A key criterion is the use of informed consent when conducting the study using quantitative methods. Furthermore, number of experts should approve the quantitative methods employed in order to avoid use of non-scientific methods.
CITI requirements and the Belmont Report influence on ethical research practices
The Belmont report provides a framework through which ethical issue involving human research can be solved. Its influence on ethical research practices can be analyzed in three critical perspectives. The report discusses the ethical issues through the following: basic ethical principles, boundaries between practice and research, and through applications(Childress, Meslin & Shapiro, 2005).
In cases where the clinical trials are being conducted, the subjects have a right to be informed whether the study being conducted is a practice or a research. Practices are activities usually oriented to improve the health condition of a patient, whereas research involves those activities that are conducted for purposes of acquiring additional information or new knowledge. Practices are conducted based on research findings. The outcome of the research may not necessarily be beneficial hence; the subject being used in the trial, needs to be aware of all the possible outcomes(Childress, Meslin & Shapiro, 2005).
In addition, the Belmont report provides three basic principles that govern any research involving human subjects. One of the principles is respect of persons. In this principle, a person’s decision is respected if he is capable of self-determination, whereas a person who either is young or cannot be able to make a decision because of illness will require another person to make those decisions by ensuring he is respected (Childress, Meslin & Shapiro, 2005). In applying beneficence, the ethical dilemma where the research may benefit the society, but harm the individual involved in the study can easily be decide based on this principle. Justice is requires all persons to be treated fairly. This affects certain clinical trials where persons are selected because of their ethnic background, health condition or just because they are easy to manipulate.
In order for these principles to be properly applied, Belmont report identifies certain activities through which these principles can be identified. These are informed consent, assessment of benefits and risk, and selection of researchers. Through the informed consent process, information is presented to the subjects upon, which they are to understand the risks involved. Further, information should be easily understood by the subjects. In addition, the process should be free of any coercion(Childress, Meslin & Shapiro, 2005).
For the application of beneficence, a complete assessment of risk is carried out. The risks involved should be less than the benefits anticipated to the subject and the society. Justice is experienced if the researcher does not offer riskier research to the less-favored patient or does not offer beneficial studies to the favored patients.
References
Bauer, H.H. (1994). Scientific Literacy and the Myth of the Scientific Method. Illinois:
University Of Illinois.
Childress, J.F., Meslin, E.M., & Shapiro, H.T. (2005). Belmont Revisited: Ethical Principles For
Research with Human Subjects. Washington, D.C: Georgetown University Press.
