Dear Graduate Research Advisor,
As a graduate student researcher, I’m investigating racist hiring practices. After
reviewing the APA Code of Ethics, I found two ethical dilemmas that could occur if I
keep the natural of this research disguised from participants.
Code 3.10 informed consent explains that prior to conducting research or an
assessment the researcher must obtain the participants consent. However, with this
study if participants know the purpose of the research some participants may hide
their true behaviors and intentions. I believe there’s two potential solutions with this
dilemma. 1) I could state in the consent form that a study of human behavior is being
conducted within a work setting without disclosing what behaviors will be observed,
which will reduce the chances of participants changing their behaviors since they’re
not fully aware of what behaviors will be observed.2) Code 8.05 Dispensing with
Informed Consent for Research mentions researchers can be exempted from
informed consent when a study of factors is related to job or organization
effectiveness conducted in organizational settings where there’s no risk to
participants being employed and confidentiality. From this code of ethics doing the
research without participants consent could be appropriate and conducted as long
researchers don’t use the information to breach confidentiality or get an employed
fired after their observation. (APA, 2017)
Code 8.07 Deception in Research explains researchers shouldn’t conduct a study
involving deception unless the use of deceptive techniques can be justified and
nondeceptive alternative procedures aren’t feasible. Deception would be necessary
with this scenario to ensure participant’s behaviors aren’t being hidden during the
study. If Code 8.08 Debriefing is utilized the ethical dilemma of deception could be
resolved if the researcher explains the full nature, results, and conclusion of the
research with participants. Also debriefing would correct any misconceptions a
participants may have mentioned to the researcher prior to the study being
conducted. (APA, 2017)
To conclude, disguising the nature of the research could be an ethical dilemma with
code 3.10 and 8.07. However, code 8.05 and 8.08 could counteract and create a
solution for the ethical dilemma. I believe this research study is necessary for figure
out how to prevent racial issues within the hiring process and further research is
needed before an organization can adjust their hiring practices. I look forward to
hearing your thoughts and insight on how conducting this research may or may not
be possible.
Sincerely,
