Ethical Violations in Research: A Reflection on Scenario 3
After completing the preliminary reading found in the Discussion Assignment Instructions, choose one of the three professional scenarios described below and answer the following prompts in your original thread:
Analysis: State which scenario you chose and explain how the behavior in this scenario violates professional ethics, using specific support from both the ASA and APA ethical guidelines.
Action: How would you handle this situation as a professional counselor or psychologist? What approach would you take with your colleague/supervisor? Note that there are no right or wrong answersthis is a personal reflection on how you might handle such a situation in a professional manner.
Reflection: The Bible is full of stories of people who had to make difficult decisions or confront someone who was doing wrong. Choose a story that resonates with you and describe how the lesson(s) could apply to your specific scenario.
References: Include references in current APA style for the ethical guidelines, the Bible, and any other sources used.
Scenario 3:
You are a member of a team of social workers studying the relationship between social media use and depression among women. The study is funded by both government and industry organizations, including some social media companies. The supervising researcher of your team has been meeting often with representatives from one of these social media companies. When asked, she says that they are just discussing general study guidelines that everyone knows about. However, you later overhear that the company has offered your supervisor stock options and a paid position on an advisory board when the study is concluded, which she has accepted. You ask her to disclose this connection in the author notes of the paper that will soon be published, but she refuses, saying its not a big deal and theres no point raising a fuss.:
Ethical Violations in Research: A Reflection on Scenario 3
Analysis
I have chosen Scenario 3, which involves a supervising researcher who has accepted stock options and a paid position from a social media company while overseeing a study on the impact of social media on depression among women. This scenario presents a clear violation of professional ethics as outlined by both the American Sociological Association (ASA) and the American Psychological Association (APA).
According to the ASA Code of Ethics, researchers must maintain integrity and objectivity in their work. Specifically, Section 4.0 states that sociologists should disclose any potential conflicts of interest, which is essential to uphold the integrity of research. The supervisor's acceptance of stock options from a company that stands to benefit from favorable research outcomes creates a conflict of interest that undermines the trustworthiness of the study.
Similarly, the APA Ethical Principles emphasize the importance of maintaining confidentiality and avoiding conflicts of interest. Principle A, which focuses on beneficence and nonmaleficence, highlights the responsibility psychologists have to ensure their work does not cause harm. The supervisor's failure to disclose her financial ties to the social media company not only jeopardizes the validity of the research but also poses potential harm to participants if the results are biased or manipulated.
Action
As a professional counselor or psychologist, it is my ethical obligation to address this situation proactively. First, I would document my observations regarding the supervisor’s behavior, including her refusal to disclose the conflict of interest. I would then approach her privately, expressing my concerns about the ethical implications of her actions. I would emphasize that transparency is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our research and that disclosing such conflicts is not merely a formality but a necessity for ethical scholarship.
If my colleague remains uncooperative, I would escalate the issue to higher authorities within our institution, such as an ethics committee or a department head, ensuring that I present my concerns factually and professionally. It is vital to focus on the potential consequences for both the research community and the participants involved rather than personalizing the conflict.
Reflection
The biblical story of David and Nathan resonates with me in this scenario. In 2 Samuel 12, the prophet Nathan confronts King David after he commits adultery with Bathsheba and arranges for her husband’s death. Nathan uses a parable to illustrate David's wrongdoing, prompting him to reflect on his actions and ultimately repent.
This story highlights the importance of confronting unethical behavior with courage and integrity. Just as Nathan approached David with honesty and clarity, I recognize that it is my duty to address unethical conduct in my professional environment, regardless of the potential discomfort it may cause. The lesson here emphasizes the need for accountability and ethical vigilance, principles that are vital in any research context.
References
American Psychological Association. (2017). APA ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/
American Sociological Association. (2018). Code of ethics. https://www.asanet.org/sites/default/files/asa_code_of_ethics.pdf
The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan.
By adhering to ethical guidelines and reflecting on moral teachings, I can contribute to a culture of integrity in research that ultimately benefits both scholars and society at large.