Which is true of inducements in research ?
A. Like coercion, undue inducement is easy for IRBs to determine.
B. Offering $10 for an hour long research study constitutes undue inducement.
C. Inducements, like coercion, are always inappropriate, as they violate the ethical principle of respect for persons.
D. Inducements constitute an “undue influence” if they alter a potential subject’s decision-making processes, such that they do not appropriately weigh the risk-benefit relationship of the research.
| Answer : D. Inducements constitute an “undue influence” if they alter a potential subject’s decision-making processes, such that they do not appropriately weigh the risk-benefit relationship of the research. |
Answer Explanation:
The correct answer is D. Inducements constitute an “undue influence” if they alter a potential subject’s decision-making processes, such that they do not appropriately weigh the risk-benefit relationship of the research.
Let’s break down why this answer is correct in detail:
D. Inducements constitute an “undue influence” if they alter a potential subject’s decision-making processes, such that they do not appropriately weigh the risk-benefit relationship of the research.
This statement is correct because it accurately describes the ethical concern related to inducements in research.
Inducements, such as monetary rewards or other incentives, can be problematic if they lead participants to make decisions that they would not have made under normal circumstances. In research ethics, this is known as “undue influence.”
When inducements are so enticing that they affect a potential subject’s decision-making process to the point where they do not adequately consider the risks and benefits of participating in a research study, it compromises the principle of informed consent.
Informed consent is a fundamental ethical requirement in research, ensuring that participants understand the nature of the research, its potential risks, and benefits before voluntarily agreeing to participate.
If inducements disrupt this process, it can undermine the ethical conduct of the study.
Now, let’s explore why the other options are not correct:
A. Like coercion, undue inducement is easy for IRBs to determine.
This statement is incorrect because it oversimplifies the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in evaluating the ethics of research.
Coercion and undue inducement are complex ethical concepts that often require careful consideration of the specific circumstances of a research study.
While IRBs play a crucial role in reviewing research proposals and ensuring ethical standards are met, determining whether an inducement is “undue” or not is not always easy or straightforward.
It depends on various factors, such as the nature of the research, the vulnerability of the population being studied, and the amount and type of inducement offered. IRBs need to assess these factors on a case-by-case basis to make informed judgments.
B. Offering $10 for an hour-long research study constitutes undue inducement.
This statement is not universally true and is too simplistic. Whether $10 for an hour-long research study constitutes undue inducement depends on various factors, including the socioeconomic status of the potential participants, the nature of the research, and the local context.
What might be considered undue inducement in one context may be entirely reasonable in another. Research ethics guidelines do not prescribe a specific dollar amount as a threshold for undue inducement because it varies based on these contextual factors.
Researchers and IRBs must consider these factors to make a fair judgment about the appropriateness of the inducement.
C. Inducements, like coercion, are always inappropriate, as they violate the ethical principle of respect for persons.
This statement is overly broad and not accurate. Inducements are not inherently inappropriate. In fact, offering reasonable incentives to compensate participants for their time and effort is a common and ethical practice in research.
The key is to ensure that these inducements are not so excessive that they unduly influence participants’ decisions.
Coercion, on the other hand, involves using threats or force to compel someone to participate in research, and it is universally considered unethical.
Comparing inducements to coercion in this manner oversimplifies the ethical considerations and nuances involved in research ethics.
In summary, the correct answer is D because it accurately describes the ethical concern regarding inducements in research and how they can lead to undue influence, compromising informed consent.
The other options are not correct because they either oversimplify the role of IRBs, make blanket statements about the appropriateness of inducements, or mischaracterize the nature of ethical issues related to inducements in research.
It’s important to recognize that research ethics is a complex field that requires careful consideration of various factors and ethical principles.
MBA,BBA.
I am Smirti Bam, an enthusiastic edu blogger with a passion for sharing insights into the dynamic world of business and management through this website.
I hold a MBA degree from Presidential Business School, Kathmandu, and a BBA degree with a specialization in Finance from Apex College,
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