Ms. Shelia Wilson
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515
Dear Ms. Wilson,
This letter is to address a situation for my research project that involves a young
adult who is 18 years old with severe learning disabilities. This young adult is
requesting to be part of my research project along with the rest of her peers.
However, the parents of this young adult have refused to allow the young adult to
be part of the project.
Teaching can be challenging at times and understanding the challenges that
special needs students face is very important. When we fail to understand the
challenges that special needs students face this helps to add to the students
frustration. As a special education teacher it is my duty and responsibility to meet
the needs of each individual student based on that student's Individual Education
Plan (IEP). The ACA Code of Conduct 7.02 Descriptions of Education and Training
Programs recommends and supports participation to encourage reasonable
progress in engaging students to learn (ACA Code of Conduct, 2017).
In conducting this research project the young adult have severe learning
difficulties. This means that the young adult is not able or competent to
understand the reason, procedure, and process of the research. The young adult
requires long-term support. The young adult is 18 years old and not competent to
understand and therefore cannot give consent to be a participant in the research
project (Informed Consent, 2017). The parents have already refused on the young
adult’s behalf.
The American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles of the
Researcher states that if the researcher is using a human as a sample then
consent from the sample should be given. This can be done either written or oral.
The researcher must also explain the effects of the research and the procedure of
the research (Informed Consent in Research, 2017). An explanation is necessary
in order that the participant fully understands the research procedure.
The young adult is not able to give consent because the young adult is not
competent to understand what the researcher will explain about the research,
effects, and the procedure.
The Ethical Code also says that if a mentally sick person gives consent then the
researcher must be very careful about getting consent from these types of
samples. As a researcher if the young adult would be used in the sample for
research it is mandatory that no harm is done to the sample.
Students with disabilities and special needs should enjoy the same access as
students without disabilities. Education is a vital b part of life. Ensuring that
students with disabilities receive good quality education is important to the
success of their education.
Sincerely,
Pamela A Honore’
Reference
American Psychological Association (2017). 3.10b Informed Consent. American
Psychological
b b b b b b b b b b b b Association (APA).
American Psychological Association (2017). 7.02 Descriptions of Education and
Training
b b b b b b b b b b Programs. American Psychological Association (APA). Retrieved from
b b b b b b b b b b b https://www.apa.org/ethics.code
American Psychological Association (2017). 8.02 Informed Consent To Research.
American
b b b b b b b Psychological Association (APA). Retrieved from
https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
Smith, D. (2003). Five principles for research ethics. American Psychological
Association (APA).
b b b b b b b Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/jan03/principles#
