Article: Teaching Research Ethics through Role-play and Discussion

1. Research Question or Problem

In his article on research ethics in role-play and discussion, Rosnow (1990) clearly presented the ethical failures of only considering the cost and benefits of conducting ethically ambiguous research studies while ignoring the ethical costs of not conducting them. The purpose of the study was, therefore, to describe a teaching strategy involving role-play that could improve students’ skills and understanding of how to navigate a complex research ethics environment (Rosnow, 1990, p. 179).

1. Introduction

In introducing the description, Rosnow (1990) first presents the rationale underlying the study and describes the significance of implementing the described strategy in teaching research methodology. Then, citing a previous relevant study by Rosenthal and Rosnow (1984), Rosnow argued that where a study, despite its ethical implications concerning deception or invasion of privacy, is likely to benefit a particular section of society significantly, failure to conduct such a study would be ethically improper. Finally, Rosnow (1990, p. 179) states that current teaching strategies only focus on the ethics of conducting the study. However, it is Rosnow’s (1990, p. 179) stance that a technique that considers three ethical points of view, namely that of the field of study, the population under study, and the researchers, should be considered.

III. Discussion and Conclusions

1. References
2. Personal Reflection

References

Rosnow, R.L. (1990). Teaching research ethics through role-play and discussion. Teaching of Psychology, 17(3), 179-181. doi:10.1207/s15328023top1703_10.