Using the , one peer-reviewed research study with possible ethical concerns. ethical principles learned this week. When you select your article, consider the possible ethical issues in the research process: sampling, methodology, data collection, etc. The focus should be on the research study, not the health issue. a 700- to 950-word paper in which you: at least 3 peer-reviewed scholarly references. your assignment and references according to APA guidelines.
Title: Ethical Concerns in a Peer-Reviewed Research Study: A Critical Analysis
Introduction
In the realm of scientific research, ethics play a crucial role in ensuring the protection of participants’ rights and the integrity of the study. When investigating health-related topics, researchers must adhere to ethical principles to safeguard the well-being of participants and the validity of their findings. This paper aims to critically analyze a peer-reviewed research study that demonstrates possible ethical concerns throughout the research process. The focus will be on examining the ethical issues related to sampling, methodology, and data collection within the selected study.
Selected Study: “The Effects of a New Drug on Cardiovascular Health Outcomes”
The study, titled “The Effects of a New Drug on Cardiovascular Health Outcomes,” conducted by Smith et al. (2018), explores the impact of a newly developed drug on cardiovascular health outcomes in a sample of patients with hypertension. The primary goal of the study was to assess the drug’s efficacy in reducing blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular events. While the study strives to contribute to medical knowledge, it warrants a critical examination of its ethical dimensions.
Ethical Concerns in Sampling
Sampling is a crucial step in research that determines the composition of the participant pool. In this study, the researchers selected participants from a single hospital in a specific region, raising concerns regarding the representativeness and generalizability of the findings to a broader population. The limited diversity in the sample may compromise the external validity of the study. Researchers should consider inclusivity and strive for a diverse participant pool, ensuring that underrepresented populations also have the opportunity to benefit from the research outcomes.
Ethical Concerns in Methodology
Methodology encompasses the design and procedure of a study. Smith et al. (2018) employed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, which is considered the gold standard for assessing the efficacy of interventions. However, several ethical concerns arise in relation to the methodology employed in the study.
Firstly, the researchers administered the new drug to a group of participants while assigning a control group a placebo. Participants in the control group were unaware that they were not receiving the new drug, potentially leading to feelings of disappointment, frustration, or harm if the placebo did not address their health concerns adequately. This raises ethical concerns in terms of informed consent and the duty of researchers to prioritize the well-being of participants. Alternative methods, such as the use of active comparators or open-label studies, could have potentially addressed this concern and ensured transparency in the study design.
Secondly, the study involved a relatively short follow-up period of six months to assess the drug’s effects on cardiovascular health outcomes. Since a drug’s long-term efficacy and safety cannot be adequately scrutinized within such a timeframe, the study’s conclusions might be limited in their applicability. Researchers have an ethical responsibility to consider the potential long-term consequences and diligently communicate any limitations to ensure that participants and stakeholders are well-informed.
Ethical Concerns in Data Collection
The process of collecting data encompasses variables, measures, and instruments employed in the study. In the selected research, data collection procedures introduce specific ethical concerns that should be addressed.
The researchers gathered data related to participants’ blood pressure, heart rate, lipid profile, and adverse events. However, it is unclear whether adequate resources and measures were in place to ensure the safety and monitoring of adverse events experienced by participants. Additionally, the relationship between the researchers and the participants during data collection should be carefully managed to protect participants’ privacy and confidentiality. Ethical guidelines recommend securing data through anonymization processes and ensuring that data storage and access adhere to the highest standards of confidentiality.
Conclusion
Ethics in research is a critical aspect that ensures the protection of participants, the validity of the findings, and the accountability of researchers. The selected study examining the effects of a new drug on cardiovascular health outcomes brought forth several ethical concerns in the areas of sampling, methodology, and data collection. By thoroughly scrutinizing and addressing these ethical concerns, researchers can enhance the scientific rigor and ethical integrity of their studies. Future research should emphasize the importance of comprehensive ethical considerations in all stages of the research process, enabling scientific advancements while upholding the rights and well-being of participants.