ethical violation in research

Order Instructions

Read each case study. Consider factors associated with behavioral sciences research. Cite references from your textbook or other scholarly sources to support your response. Respond to the questions after each case study in a minimum of 175 words:

Case Study 1:

Rachelle is conducting an experiment on the effects of story themes (traditional vs. non-traditional) on memory of story details. She is paying participants $5 to complete a research protocol that takes about 40 minutes to complete. Prior to beginning the protocol, participants sign a consent form. Rachelle is present during this time to answer questions and clarify areas of concern. Carmela reads the consent form, agrees to participate, and begins the protocol. After about 12 minutes, she gets up and tells Rachelle that she “has to go.” She says she is sorry but she cannot complete the protocol. Rachelle offers her an additional $10 to stay in the study and complete the required tasks.

Is Rachelle’s behavior ethical? Why or why not? Use the relevant section of the ACA Code of Ethics to justify your response.

Case Study 2:

A researcher collected data from a group of women over the age of 40. The focus of the study was on estimating the “risk of developing depression after age 40.” Prior to data collection, the researcher explained that the results of the study would be made available to participants when the study was completed. They explained that only aggregate data (group data), not individual results, would be available to the participants afterwards. Participants signed “informed consent” forms, then the study was conducted. Participants completed a number of different questionnaires and a structured interview. The researcher’s goal was to determine if they could estimate risk of depression on the basis of a number of different variables, including age, marital status, history of depression, physical health, and job satisfaction.

When the study was completed, one of the participants wanted to see her results. The researcher provided her with aggregate data, as stated at the onset of the study. The participant insisted on seeing her individual data, claiming that she had a right to know her own personal risk of depression. The researcher refused, claiming that she had signed the “informed consent” agreement prior to participating and that the procedure was clearly explained to her in advance of the study.

Has the researcher committed an ethical violation? Explain.