Describe the major ethical concerns in sociological research

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Beginning in the 1960s, the U.S. government set up regulations for "the protection of human subjects." Because of scientific abuses in the past, researchers are now mandated to weigh the societal benefits of research against the potential physical and emotional costs to participants. Researchers are required to obtain written "informed consent" statements from the persons they study. The American Sociological Association (ASA) Code of Ethics sets forth certain basic standards that sociologists must follow in conducting research: (1) researchers must endeavor to maintain objectivity and integrity in their research by disclosing their research findings in full and including all possible interpretations of the data (even those interpretations that do not support their own viewpoints), (2) researchers must safeguard the participants' right to privacy and dignity while protecting them from harm, (3) researchers must protect confidential information provided by participants, even when this information is not considered to be "privileged" (legally protected, as in the case between doctor and patient and between attorney and client) and legal pressure is applied to reveal this information, and (4) researchers must acknowledge research collaboration and assistance they receive from others and disclose all sources of financial support.

Sociologists are obligated to adhere to this code and to protect research participants.