Question

What role does ethics play in research, especially when the research involves human subjects?

Answer 1

Ethics is an omnipresent fraternity. It is reflected through every walk of life, be it theory or practice. Ethics plays a significant role in research as well.

When the research involves human subjects, the ethical aspects become much more crucial. The German physicians related to the war crimes were treated under the criminal charges by American Tribunal in 1946.

This resulted into the Nuremberg code of 1948. According to this code, there has to be a consent by the human subjects in the context of the research. On the other hand, the benefits reflecting from the studies/ research have to be more and better than the allied risk.

Further, the World Medical Association came up with the declarations relevant to the medical practitioners/ doctors. This is called as the declaration of Helsinki which got amended in 1975, 1989, 1996.

In addition to the provisions prescribed in Nuremberg code, the Helsinki declaration included three more facets-

a- The research has to be initiated and done by the well qualified personnel who have the calibre, skills and potential for research.

b- The third separate entity should look into the research related matters and monitor proceedings.

c- The laboratory outcomes through animal testings should back up/ justify the further usage of humans as subject.