Question

Dr. Carlos submitted a proposal to conduct an alcohol tolerance study with mice. He will have to inject mice with alcohol and then test them. Dr. Carlos has decided to euthanize the mice at the end of the study. He also wishes someone to volunteer the use of their pet for this research in return for some monetary compensation. Discuss: What ethical and safety issues might arise when conducting such a study? What do you think the institutional review board at Dr. Carlos' university will be most concerned about? Explain at least three areas of concern and why the reviewers might be concerned about the stated issues. It is common for participants to be compensated for their participation in research. Do you think this influences their behaviors or responses? Use the South University Online Library to investigate whether there is evidence regarding the influence of compensation on participants' participation. Find two articles and submit summaries of each of them. Participants should be told they have a right to stop their participation in a study at any point in the study. Do you agree or disagree on whether this should be done or not? Why? Do you think they should still be able to receive the promised monetary compensation if they leave early? Please help with my homework I am struggling with. Thank you

Answer 1

There is a lot of ethical and moral dilemma that surrounds studies which deal with animal testing, the line of reasoning being that all sentient life forms, owing to their disposition in the Darwinian hierarchy, do not enjoy the lieberty to speak up for their rights and are hence used for cruel testing.

The study which is aforementioned would be thwarted if it were to be conducted on humans as it is against the ethical policies. But, with respect to animals, in the scientific world there is always room for study.

Morally, the study poses great moral bankruptcy, but ethically, it might not be the best choice, but is still doable by the scientific society.

Participants who will be willing to give their pets for testing in return for monetary benefits will be making a more morally void decision. But, the participants have to be informed of their right to withdraw, that is, any subject can withdraw at any point they see fitting, the conundrum being the participants are mice and their decision would be taken by the pet owners.

Monetary compensation can be provided as per the contract and the consent form that is signed at the beginning of each session. Incomplete participation can give the investigator to decide whether to compensate or not as per the original contract.