SOCW 6301 Week 2 Discussions

SOCW 6301 Week 2 Discussions

Discussion 1: Sara Parker and Ethics

One of the reasons there can be so much debate about ethical issues is because ethics are opinions informed by people’s values and people have different values. People can disagree about whether or not something is unethical, and, oftentimes, there is no right answer. In order to make decisions about what may be ethical or unethical, Yegidis (2018, p. 25) suggests focusing on these three questions:

1.      “Who should benefit or suffer from the actions of the researcher?”
2.      “Whose rights should take priority over those of others?”
3.      “Does the end (increased knowledge) justify the means (the methods used to acquire it and their potential for harm)?”

For this Discussion, view the Sessions episode on the Parker family. As you do so, consider which, if any, ethical mandates or standards were violated.

Post a response explaining your reaction to the Parker episode. Be sure to address whether or not the social worker violated any ethical mandates or standards. Also explain which strategies could have been used to guide ethical practice. Finally, describe the responsibility of the social workers in the Parker case. Please use the resources to support your answers.

Discussion 2: The Research Approval Process

The early years of the 20th century were host to a number of unethical research studies. Research involving the way that a young child reacts to and generalizes fear responses, medical experiments conducted in concentration camps, and observing the way people respond to authority were just a few of the most famous experiments whose byproduct was placing clients in physical pain and/or mental anguish. Since then, it has been recognized that research subjects need to be protected from the flagrant disregard of researchers. This week, you consider the guidelines in Walden University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) document, “Research Ethics FAQs for Doctoral Students in the Clinical/Intervention Fields: Practical Tips for Avoiding Delays and Problems in the Research Approval Process.”

Walden University (n.d.). Academic Guides: Research Ethics & Compliance: Welcome from the IRB. Retrieved September 12, 2016, from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/researchcenter/orec

•        Research Ethics FAQs for Doctoral Students in the Clinical/Intervention Fields: Practical Tips for Avoiding Delays and Problems in the Research Approval Process

Post a description of two ways the guidelines in Walden University’s IRB document may impact the selection of a research population, research setting, and/or research design. Please use the resources to support your answer.

SAMPLE ANSWER

The Research Approval Process at Walden’s Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Introduction to Walden’s Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The Walden IRB is responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of human research participants. The IRB reviews all research involving human participants to ensure that it is ethical and in compliance with federal regulations.

The IRB approval process begins with the researcher submitting an application for review. The application must include a detailed description of the research project, including the study procedures, risks and benefits, and informed consent forms. Once the application is received, it is reviewed by the IRB Chair and either approved, tabled for further review, or denied.

If the IRB Chair approves the research project, it is then forwarded to the full IRB for review at their next meeting. If the full IRB approves the project, it is then sent back to the researcher with any comments or suggestions. If the full IRB denies approval, the researcher may appeal the decision.

The entire process from start to finish usually takes about two weeks, but can take longer if there are questions or concerns that need to be addressed.

What is the research approval process at Walden’s IRB?

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Walden University reviews and approves all research studies conducted by faculty, staff, and students. The IRB is responsible for ensuring that all research studies conducted at Walden adhere to federal regulations and ethical standards.

To obtain IRB approval for a research study, investigators must submit an IRB application. The application must include a description of the proposed research, the expected benefits and risks of the study, and the procedures that will be used to protect the rights and welfare of participants. Investigators must also provide a signed informed consent form that will be used in the study.

Once an application is received, it is reviewed by the IRB Chair or another designated member of the IRB. If the Chair or designee determines that the study meets all IRB requirements, they will approve the study. If additional information is needed or changes are required, the investigator will be contacted and asked to make revisions to their application or informed consent form. Once all required revisions have been made, the study will be approved.

How long does the research approval process take at Walden’s IRB?

The research approval process at Walden’s IRB can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the research project. In general, the IRB review process consists of three stages: initial review, full board review, and final approval.

During the initial review stage, IRB staff will review the research proposal to ensure that it meets all federal and state regulations. If there are no major concerns, the proposal will be sent to the full board for review. If there are concerns, the proposal will be sent back to the researcher with feedback.

The full board review stage typically takes place at a monthly meeting. During this stage, IRB members will discuss the merits of the research proposal and decide whether or not to approve it. If the proposal is approved, it will move on to the final approval stage. If it is not approved, the researcher may make revisions and resubmit it for full board review at a later date.

The final approval stage is when IRB staff will issue an official letter of approval for the research project. Once this letter is received, the researcher can begin collecting data.

What are the benefits of conducting research at Walden University?

Conducting research at Walden University can offer many benefits to researchers, including the opportunity to work with a diverse student population, access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, and support from experienced faculty and staff.

Walden’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research projects conducted at the university. The IRB reviews and approves all research involving human subjects that is conducted by Walden faculty, staff, and students.

The IRB process is designed to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects by ensuring that:

• All research is conducted in accordance with federal regulations

• Informed consent is obtained from all participants

• Risks are minimized and are reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits

• The rights and welfare of participants are respected throughout the research process

Conclusion

The IRB approval process at Walden is designed to protect the rights and welfare of research participants, while also ensuring that the research is ethical and meets all applicable regulations. The process can seem daunting, but our team is here to help you through it every step of the way. We understand that the IRB approval process is just one part of your larger research journey, and we are committed to helping you navigate it successfully.