M1 - Ethics

Question 1

ethical research

Answer 1

scientific ethics is concerned with the truth + integrity of scientific practice

Question 2

ethical frameworks

Answer 2

set of codes that guides behaviour

1. autonomy
2. maleficence
3. Beneficence
4. justice
5. confidentiality
6. non-deception

Question 3

ethical frameworks - autonomy

Answer 3

freedom from external control or influence

application to ethics: Making voluntary + informed decisions.

Question 4

ethical frameworks -Maleficence

Answer 4

The act of committing harm or evil

application to ethics: No subject is intentionally harmed.

Question 5

ethical frameworks -Beneficence

Answer 5

An act of charity, and kindness with a strong connotation of doing good

application to ethics: Produce beneficial outcomes to prevent +
remove harm from patients.

Question 6

ethical frameworks -Justice

Answer 6

The quality of being just, impartial, or fair

application to ethics: Equal access to care, benefits, compensation.

Question 7

ethical frameworks - Confidentiality

Answer 7

Respect for privacy

application to ethics: Maintaining anonymity + privacy

Question 8

ethical frameworks - Non-deception

Answer 8

not Resorting to falsehood

application to ethics: Maintaining open + truthful communication

Question 9

human experimentation

Answer 9

refers to the scientific investigation that involves human beings as research subjects.

Either interventional (manipulating - clinical trials) or observational.

Question 10

what governs human experimentation in au

Answer 10

the ethical frameworks developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Question 11

what must human experimentation involve

Answer 11

informed consent in terms of the procedure, risks, and
choices that need to be fully explained.

Question 12

example of human experimentation that would be considered unethical in todays standards

Answer 12

the English doctor Edward Jenner is credited with the first scientific demonstration of vaccination (for smallpox). he innoculated an 8 year old boy with the disease. However, by today’s standards, his methods would be considered unethical.

Question 13

example of an unethical human experimentation

Answer 13

The Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis was a 40 years-long (1932 and 1972)
experiment in America, conducted by the US Public Health Service.

○ This experiment raised numerous ethical issues regarding human experimentation
○ It was a study to determine the physiological effects of syphilis infections on humans (conducted on african american males)

○ Issues:
■ The participants were not told that they were involved in a human experiment.
■ The participants were given inducements to take part in the experiment.
■ The participants were denied treatment for syphilis infections, even though the treatment became available during the study.
- the study was racially biased

Question 14

where is animal experimentation used?

Answer 14

in biomedicine, veterinary science, cosmetics, behavioural studies.

used to understand animal biology or as models to understand human biology.

Question 15

controversy surrounding AT on cosmetics

Answer 15

banned in aus

animals shouldn’t suffer or experience cruelty

Question 16

how is animal experimentation regulated

Answer 16

at state level (unlike human)

Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) issue permits for research involving animals

The ethical framework for animal experimentation applies to vertebrae animals (since those without don’t experience pain).

Question 17

3 rs rule (AT)

Answer 17

Replace: replace animals with other methods (mice, cell cultures, tissue banks)

Reduce: reduction in the number of animals used - sample size.

Refine: refinement of techniques used to minimise the adverse effects on animals

Question 18

biobanks

Answer 18

Biobanks are collections of biological samples (human genetic information) that can be used for research purposes.

Question 19

biobank issues

Answer 19

○ Informed consent of the donors

○ Sensitive collection of samples from vulnerable donours (aged, young, disabled)

○ Privacy of personal and medical information - confidentiality.

○ Commercialisation + sharing of benefits

Question 20

issues with the ownership of data in relation to biobanks

Answer 20

People’s genomes can be sold and this raises questions on the ownership of this data.

○ CRISPR can now be used and can use human DNA to edit and clone it.

Question 21

how is research data shared

Answer 21

through; peer reviewed publications, data repositories, and conference presentations.

Question 22

why is data sharing beneficial

Answer 22

○ It encourages further scientific enquiry + innovation

○ Leads to new collaborations b/w data uses and creators

○ Maximises transparency + accountability

○ Reduces the cost of duplicating data collection

Question 23

issues with data sharing/use

Answer 23

○ Ethics of obtaining data from unethical research such as Nazi human trials.

○ Risk on how the information will be used or analysed, and with whom it will be shared with.

○ How will the data/info be stored + disposed of?