Graduate Research Advisor
2850 Red Hill Ave #2
Santa Ana, California (CA), 92702
Dear Sir,
RE: c c c ADDRESSING AN ETHICAL DILEMMA IN SCENARIO B ON THE STUDY
OF EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES
An understanding and appreciation of the professional ethical code allow
researchers to carefully weigh the pros and cons of their actions and prevent
them from reaching unprofessional decisions (Alderson & Morrow, 2020). An
example of the scenarios that raise ethical issues and demand an appropriate
code of conduct is the one I encountered when studying education challenges
faced when working with special needs children. Specifically, I was confronted
by a young adult with severe learning difficulties who asked me to include her
in the research project and other class members. However, her parents had
already refused her inclusion. Such a scenario raises an ethical dilemma, which
should be appropriately addressed. The APA Code of Ethic’s principles and
standards provide vital guidelines on how to respond to the scenario presented.
One way of ethically handling such a scenario is by refusing to include the
student and providing an appropriate explanation. I would explain that her
parents have refused to consent; thus, I cannot act against the law. However,
the APA Code of Conduct Principle 3, respect for people’s rights and dignity, is
most at stake in such a response. (APA, 2003). The rationale for citing such a
principle is that by disallowing the student’s participation, I would be trampling
upon her right to contribute to research and denying her an opportunity to air
her views. Ideally, according to the APA Code of Conduct, 3.10 (b) Informed
Consent, researchers are required to provide an appropriate explanation for a
person who is legally incapable of giving informed consent (APA, 2003).
Therefore, explaining why she will be left out will be an appropriate ethical
action.
The ethical dilemma may also be appropriately addressed by considering the
student’s preferences and best interests and talking to her parents to obtain the
necessary assent to participate in the study. In such a case, the principle of
informed consent in the APA Code of Conduct will be at stake. Researchers are
always required to obtain informed consent, which involves explaining the
reasons for their research, any possible risks, and the freedom to withdraw
from the study (Cherry, 2020). Because the students’ parents are better
positioned to understand their children, the principle of informed consent would
be at risk of being compromised. Nevertheless, the choice of such a resolution
to the ethical dilemma is supported by 8.02 Informed Consent to Research,
which requires researchers to obtain informed consent (APA, 2003). Before
obtaining such consent, they should explain the research’s purpose, duration,
procedures, and potential risks.
Kindly consider and review the two proposed ways to handle the ethical
scenario presented. Please note that the ethical principles and standards were
used to determine the best course of action without breaching any ethical and
professional codes of conduct. The two recommended actions will be
instrumental in ensuring that I respect the student’s interests and rights while
also preventing any faulting of the APA Code of Conduct. Your advice and
suggestion on the viability and appropriateness of the suggested responses to
the ethical scenario will be highly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Lacy L Luper, MS, PCAT
References
Alderson, P., & Morrow, V. (2020). The ethics of research with children and
young people: A practical handbook. Sage. ISBN-13: 978-0857021373.
APA. (2003). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.
https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index
Cherry, K. (2020). APA Ethics Code Principles and Standards. Very Well Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/apa-ethical-code-guidelines-4687465
