1. Class 9 Jeff Driskell, MSW, PhD
Research in Social Work Practice Salem State University School of Social Work
Class 9
Jeff Driskell, MSW, PhD

2. Today’s class Check-in Lecture- Quiz Review
Ethics in Social Work Research
Quiz Review

3. Ethics in Social Work Research

4. Why Be Ethical? (Neuman, 2003-pp.119)

5. Historical Context
Nuremberg Trials Tuskegee

6. Principle Results of Nuremberg Code
Medical investigators can’t set research rules
Voluntary consent of human subject is essential
Studies to be conducted by qualified people
Shift to rights of subjects

7. The Fernald School “Science Club”

8. The Willowbrook scandal- 1960’s

9. Milgram Obedience Experiment (1960’s)

10. Stanford Prison Experiment

11. Ethical Issues Involving Participants?

12. The Belmont Report (1979)
National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research
Boundaries between research, practice
Core principles:
Respect for persons (informed consent)
Beneficence (risk/benefit analysis- Do No Harm)
Justice (fair selection procedures/outcomes and protection of vulnerable subjects)

13. Institutional Review Board
Known as the IRB
Started in about 1974-
Prior to this, no federal or institutional oversight of human research.
Composed of researchers at various institutions.
They must approve your informed consent prior to implementing a study.

14. Confidentiality vs Anonymity

15. What is an Informed Consent?
An agreement between researcher(s) and participant(s).
A mutual commitment between both parties.
A process
Begins before any study procedures are implemented
Continues throughout the study
NOT just a form…

16. Informed Consent should include…
Brief description of study purpose and procedures, including duration of the study.
Statement of potential risks or discomfort associated with the study.
Guaranteed anonymity and/or confidentiality.
Identification of the researcher- and whom to contact regarding study questions.

17. Informed Consent should include…
Statement that participant is voluntary and can be terminated without penalty.
Statement of alternative procedures that may be used.
Statement of any benefits or compensation
Offer to provide participants a summary of findings.

18. Items on Every Consent Form Should Include
All elements of the Informed consent just described
Study title
Consent version date, i.e. Version 1.0
Page numbers
Participant signature line and date
Researchers signature line and date

19. Disclosure Form vs. Informed Consent

20. Mock IRB Exercise: Questions for Consideration
Will any violations of the ethical code occur as a result of this study?
Are the participants at risk for harm?
What responsibility does the researcher have to his/her participants in this study?
What steps or procedures will the researcher take in order to meet this responsibility?
What else do you want to know about the study?

21. Salem State University IRB

22. Salem State IRB
The purpose of the IRB at Salem State is to protect the human rights and welfare of human research subjects recruited to participate in research activities conducted under the auspices of the institution.

23. Expedited Reviews
What do we mean by EXPEDITED Reviews?

24. Weekly Comments Bring information on TWO of the following:
The Fernald School “Science Club”
The Willowbrook scandal
Milgrim Obedience Experiment
Stanford Prison Experiment