2.3 Ethical Concerns5. Why do you think the ASA crafted such a detailed set of ethical principles? What type of studycould put human participants at risk? Think of some examples of studies that might be harmful. Doyou think that, in the name of sociology, some researchers might be tempted to cross boundariesthat threaten human rights? Why?

The ASA has developed a detailed set of ethical standards because there is increasing pressure to hold researchers accountable to their research subjects. Studies that can put research subjects at risk are those that deal with controversial subjects where there may be some danger or potential persecution of the research subject. It is tempting to cross boundaries in the interest of producing interesting and compelling studies and getting good data.

Explanation:

ASA ethical principles:

The American Sociological Association developed principles that have detailed ethical standards so it is clear to all researchers and anyone who is interested in the ethical implications of sociological research that there are guidelines and best practices to follow in terms of research subject consent and how the data produced is protected, for example. There has also been institutional pressure from universities to comply with ethical standards. Research funding associations like the NSF are also making it obligatory to adhere to standards that promote the rights of research subjects and holding individual researchers accountable.

Studies that put human participants at risk:

Although many research with human subjects review boards are based on the medical field and designed to protect the rights of medical test subjects for example, there is also increasing pressure for social scientists and those who do behavioral research to also have to subject their methodological approaches to review. Research participants may be at risk if the subject of the study is controversial like support for political or religious views that face persecution, for example. Studies with people engaged in illicit activities would also be another example that produces an ethical dilemma for the researcher.

Cross boundaries that threaten human rights:

It might be tempting to cross boundaries that threaten human rights in the interest of getting good and interesting data. It is hard for sociological researchers to assure research participant confidentiality for example and to still have the data seem legitimate or true if the study cannot be repeated because the same research subjects cannot be contacted again to protect their confidentiality. Also working with sex workers or drug dealers might cause the researcher to violate the human rights of the research participants and their clients. It may also involve the researcher in illegal activity themselves as they will have knowledge of dealings and could enter into conflict with the police.