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Animal Ethics Biosafety Human Research Ethics Research Integrity

First, do no harm: education research should answer to the same standards as medicine – The Conversation (David Lawrence and Tanya Fitzgerald | October 2020)

Posted by Dr Gary Allen in Human Research Ethics on June 20, 2021
Keywords: Australia, Beneficence, Consent, Ethical review, Good practice, Human research ethics, Institutional responsibilities, Researcher responsibilities, Social Science

The Linked Original Item was Posted On October 30, 2020

Exam answer sheet or application paper blurry view on table in examination room with blur education background of school university students taking exam test writing answer in seat row with stress

Australia has one of the highest-quality systems of medical research in the world. It has helped underpin the high standing of Australia’s health system — it’s ranked as one of the finest in the world.

An interesting Australian discussion about the public interest implications when we apply the biomedical expectations and requirements for consent to school-based research.  In practice, the considerations are different.  For example, the need to discuss time away from learning and peer-group considerations are likely to be more pertinent than matters relating to physical risks. Are these matters best considered by teaching staff, as part of their loco parentis?

Strong principles to protect safety and prevent harm underpin medical research. These have been developed due to a history of sometimes well intentioned, but ultimately harmful, medical interventions over the course of the 20th century.

Australia’s National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research is the primary guidance not only for medical research in Australia but for most research involving people, which includes education. But the harm and impact of educational programs — that are, on the surface, deemed important to educational improvements and well-being — face far less scrutiny in the applications process than do those of medical research.

No-one wants our children to be used as research guinea pigs. High standards of ethical oversight are needed to ensure no child is exposed to possible harm. While the medical research ethics model was developed to provide exactly this level of protection, perversely, in education, it may be exposing our children to harm.

First, do no harm: education research should answer to the same standards as medicine
No-one wants our children to be used as research guinea pigs. High standards of ethical oversight are needed to ensure no child is exposed to possible harm.

Related Reading

Friday afternoon funny – Hiding the kids

Against Research Waste – How the Evidence-Based Research paradigm promotes more ethical and innovative research – London School of Economics (Caroline Blaine, et al | February 2021)

How We Found Sources for Our Research Misconduct Story — And How You Can Help Us Find More – ProPublica Illinois (Jodi S. Cohen | April 2018)

Portland State University Researchers May Have Violated Federal Law by Using the Personal Data of Thousands of Portland-Area K-12 Students – Williamette Week (Katie Shepherd | March 2018)

Eighty-two cases of offspring named as co-authors – University World News (Aimee Chung | January 2018)

Friday afternoon’s funny – Recruiting kids

‘Except as required by law’: Australian researchers’ legal rights and obligations regarding participant confidentiality

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Human Research Ethics Resource Manual (SoTL Manual)

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