Responsible Research: Ethics in Research Scenario 1

Instructions:
 Read the Research Scenario below.
 Make comments and suggestions on how the research could have been different to avoid ethical issues.

Research Ethics Scenario 1:

The StARs team from Pueahan Secondary School is doing a research project to find ways to improve the
experience of making the transition to high school. After signing consent forms, a number of students are
interviewed. During one of the interviews, a student named Kayley tells Farid, one of the StARs team
researchers, that her transition to high school was particularly difficult because in grade 9 she realized that she
was gay. Farid told his friend Jason about Kayley’s interview and Jason then posted the information on
Facebook. Kayley, who was not “out” at school or with her family, is devastated and is very close to dropping
out of school.

Responsible Research: Ethics in Research Scenario 2

Instructions:
 Read the Research Scenario below.
 Make comments and suggestions on how the research could have been different to avoid ethical issues.

Research Ethics Scenario 2:

The StARs team from Bunayag Catholic School is doing a research project to see how the school might support
healthier eating habits. The principal and parent council knew about the research and were looking forward to
hearing the results so that they could support positive changes to support students in improving eating habits.
Jocelyn, one of the StARs team researchers, interviews a number of students and during one of the interviews,
Shoshana, a student, describes some issues that she’s been experiencing for the last few months. Based on what
she has heard, Jocelyn worries that Shoshana has an eating disorder and is putting herself at risk. Other than
Jocelyn, nobody knows about what Shoshana is experiencing.

Responsible Research: Ethics in Research Scenario 3

Instructions:
 Read the Research Scenario below.
 Make comments and suggestions on how the research could have been different to avoid ethical issues.

Research Ethics Scenario 3:

The StARs team from LumatiHigh School is doing a research project about student mental health. After the
participants had signed consent forms, the StARs team gave students a multiple choice test on their knowledge
of the signs and symptoms of mental health problems or issues. About a week after the tests were written,
students began to wonder what was being done with their test results. Soon, rumours began to circulate that the
mental health test results would become part of the students’ Health and Physical Education grade.