Research Ethics: a guide for responsible research with human subjects from edX

Research ethics has become an established and essential part of scientific research with human subjects. In this course, we aim to give you a comprehensive introduction to the topic through the exploration of the main ethical issues that researchers experience in diverse contexts.

How can researchers engage in ethically responsible research? Why does ensuring they do ethical research matter? What type of ethical considerations must researchers take into account before designing their research? In this course, we discuss all these questions and more to get you thinking critically about ethics in human subject research.

Through the use of case studies, videos, interviews, and discussions we will show you how a variety of ethical issues arise in research practice. You will engage with the course materials and other participants through exercises and open discussion boards. You will acquire the skills to identify ethically sensitive or problematic issues in different research settings and start to think about research in ethically responsible ways. The course will give you the tools to apply your moral reasoning in practical, real-life scenarios in research and challenge you to reflect on case studies and provide the tools you need to conduct your own ethical assessment of a research project. Both individually and as part of a research ethics committee. Most importantly, you will learn to identify and question your own ethical biases and to build new well-reasoned arguments for your position on different ethical scenarios.

What you'll learn

What research ethics is
Why ethics is necessary in research
What are the main ethical issues in research
How researchers can actively engage with ethics when undertaking research
Which ethical considerations must be made in research involving human subjects
What ethical codes and guidelines researchers must follow and the ethical principles that shaped them
How to assess risks and benefits of research
What the role of a Research Ethics Committee is
What are the criteria for a valid informed consent
How to do research with vulnerable individuals and populations
How to protect participants’ privacy and confidentiality
How to identify ethical misconduct in research and understand how to avoid it
How to critically think of research and apply ethical reasoning

What's inside

Learning objectives

What research ethics is
Why ethics is necessary in research
What are the main ethical issues in research
How researchers can actively engage with ethics when undertaking research
Which ethical considerations must be made in research involving human subjects
What ethical codes and guidelines researchers must follow and the ethical principles that shaped them
How to assess risks and benefits of research

What the role of a research ethics committee is
What are the criteria for a valid informed consent
How to do research with vulnerable individuals and populations
How to protect participants’ privacy and confidentiality
How to identify ethical misconduct in research and understand how to avoid it
How to critically think of research and apply ethical reasoning

What research ethics is
Why ethics is necessary in research
What are the main ethical issues in research
How researchers can actively engage with ethics when undertaking research
Which ethical considerations must be made in research involving human subjects
What ethical codes and guidelines researchers must follow and the ethical principles that shaped them
How to assess risks and benefits of research
What the role of a research ethics committee is
What are the criteria for a valid informed consent
How to do research with vulnerable individuals and populations
How to protect participants’ privacy and confidentiality
How to identify ethical misconduct in research and understand how to avoid it
How to critically think of research and apply ethical reasoning

Syllabus

Module 0: Course introduction. Introduction to the edX platform, the course team, the main topics and goals covered in this MOOC.

Module 1: Responsibility in research. Discuss the importance of doing responsible research and the role of researchers in society.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

The course thoroughly introduces students to research ethics with human subjects

Case studies, videos, interviews, and discussions are all included to illustrate how ethical concerns arise in research practice

Students actively engage with ethics by applying ethical reasoning to practical, real-life research scenarios

Instructors from diverse backgrounds offer multi-faceted perspectives on research ethics

Includes interviews and discussions with subject matter experts in research ethics

Reviews summary

Essential guide to human subject research ethics

According to learners, this course is an incredibly well-structured and comprehensive guide to research ethics, particularly for those working with human subjects. Students consistently praise its thorough understanding of ethical principles and its practical application through helpful case studies and engaging discussions. A major highlight is the inclusion of numerous expert speakers from diverse fields, whose insights are described as deep and valuable, significantly enriching the learning experience. While some experienced researchers found certain parts a bit basic or repetitive, the overall consensus is that the course provides an essential foundation for responsible research, clarifying complex concepts and promoting critical ethical reasoning.

Serves as an excellent introduction for new and aspiring researchers.

"A solid introduction to research ethics... overall, it's a great foundation."

"Good overview of research ethics... A good starting point for ethical considerations."

"Highly recommended for students and professionals alike."

Emphasizes real-world scenarios through effective case studies.

"The case studies are particularly helpful for understanding real-world application."

"The focus on practical application through case studies was a major plus."

"The practical examples and various case studies make the theoretical concepts much more tangible."

Features valuable perspectives from diverse ethical experts.

"The expert speakers provide deep insights into various ethical dilemmas, making complex topics easy to grasp."

"Absolutely essential for anyone dealing with human subjects research... The interviews with experts were a highlight, offering practical advice and real-life examples."

"The lecturers are clear and concise, and the inclusion of multiple expert perspectives truly enriches the learning experience."

Provides a thorough and extensive overview of research ethics.

"This course is incredibly well-structured and comprehensive."

"As a PhD student, this provided a thorough understanding of ethical principles vital for my work."

"This course truly provided a comprehensive guide. It delves into the 'why' and 'how' of research ethics, which is crucial."

May be too basic for those with prior ethics knowledge.

"Some parts felt a bit basic, but overall, it's a great foundation."

"Good for beginners, less so for experienced researchers."

"Found some parts a bit basic and repetitive, especially for those with a background in healthcare. It's an okay starting point but not for advanced learners."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Research Ethics: a guide for responsible research with human subjects with these activities:

Compile a list of resources on research ethics

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Compiling a list of resources on research ethics will help you to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field and to find additional resources to support your learning.

Browse courses on Research Ethics

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Search for resources on research ethics online.
Compile a list of the resources that you find.
Share your list of resources with your classmates.

Review the ethical principles in research

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Refreshing your knowledge of the ethical principles that guide research will help you understand the importance of ethics in research and how to apply them in your own research.

Browse courses on Ethics in Research

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Read the syllabus and course materials for Module 1: Responsibility in Research.
Review the Belmont Report and the Nuremberg Code.
Summarize the key ethical principles in research.

Participate in a peer review session on research proposals

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Participating in a peer review session on research proposals will help you develop your critical thinking skills and improve your ability to provide feedback on the ethical aspects of research.

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Review the research proposals of your classmates.
Identify the ethical issues that are addressed in the proposals.
Provide feedback to your classmates on their proposals.

Four other activities

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Practice identifying ethical issues in research scenarios

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Practicing identifying ethical issues in research scenarios will help you develop your critical thinking skills and improve your ability to apply ethical principles to real-world situations.

Browse courses on Research Ethics

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Review the ethical principles in research.
Read the case studies and identify the ethical issues involved.
Discuss the ethical issues with your classmates.

Create a poster presentation on a research ethics topic

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Creating a poster presentation on a research ethics topic will help you communicate your understanding of a specific ethical issue to a wider audience.

Browse courses on Research Ethics

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Choose a research ethics topic that interests you.
Research your topic and gather information.
Design and create your poster presentation.
Present your poster presentation to your classmates.

Develop a research proposal that addresses ethical issues

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Developing a research proposal that addresses ethical issues will help you apply the ethical principles you have learned to a specific research project.

Browse courses on Research Proposal

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Choose a research topic that interests you.
Identify the ethical issues that are relevant to your research topic.
Develop a plan for how you will address the ethical issues in your research.
Write a research proposal that includes your plan for addressing ethical issues.

Conduct a research project that addresses an ethical issue

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Conducting a research project that addresses an ethical issue will allow you to apply the ethical principles you have learned to a real-world research project.

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Choose a research topic that interests you and that addresses an ethical issue.
Develop a research plan that includes a plan for addressing the ethical issues involved in your research.
Conduct your research.
Write a research report that includes your findings and a discussion of the ethical issues involved in your research.

Career center

Learners who complete Research Ethics: a guide for responsible research with human subjects will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Research Ethics Officer

Research Ethics Officers ensure that research involving human subjects is conducted ethically and in accordance with regulatory requirements. This course is a perfect match for those who want to enter this field because it delves deep into the ethics of research with human subjects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Ethics Officer

Clinical Research Scientist

Clinical Research Scientists use their scientific knowledge to evaluate the benefits and risks of new drugs and treatments. They also provide support to clinical trials. The course is a perfect match for those who want to enter this field because it delves deep into the ethics of research with human subjects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Scientist

IRB Administrator

IRB Administrators manage Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), which are responsible for reviewing and approving research involving human subjects. This course is a perfect match for those who want to enter this field because it delves deep into the ethics of research with human subjects.

See salaries and explore the career path for IRB Administrator

Clinical Trials Manager

Clinical Trials Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of clinical trials. They work with researchers, doctors, and patients to ensure that trials are conducted safely and efficiently. This course can help build a foundation in the ethical issues that researchers face and how to address them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Trials Manager

Research Compliance Specialist

Research Compliance Specialists ensure that research is conducted in accordance with ethical and regulatory guidelines. This course can help build a foundation in understanding the regulations and guidelines that govern research with human subjects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Compliance Specialist

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians use statistics to solve problems in health care. They design studies, collect data, and analyze results to help understand and improve health outcomes. This course can help build a foundation in the ethical issues that researchers face when working with human subjects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Science Policy Analyst

Science Policy Analysts use their knowledge of science and policy to help make decisions about how to spend money on research. They also help to communicate scientific findings to policymakers. This course can help build a foundation in the ethical issues that researchers face and how to address them in the field of science policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Policy Analyst

Data Protection Officer

Data Protection Officers ensure that organizations comply with data protection laws and regulations. They also help organizations protect personal data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. This course can help build a foundation in understanding how researchers work with data related to human subjects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Protection Officer

Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts use their knowledge of health care and policy to analyze and develop policies that improve the health of populations. They also work with policymakers to advocate for policies that improve health outcomes. This course can help build a foundation in the ethical issues that researchers face and how to address them in the field of health policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Health Educator

Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. They also work with individuals and groups to help them make healthy choices. This course may be helpful if you want to work in this field because it provides a good overview of the ethical issues that researchers face and how to address them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers make sure that organizations follow laws and regulations. They also help organizations avoid legal problems. This course can help build a foundation by providing an overview of the ethical issues that researchers face and how to address them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer

Medical Writer

Medical Writers translate complex medical and scientific information into easy-to-understand language for patients, doctors, and other audiences. They also help develop educational materials and write for websites, magazines, and other publications. This course may be helpful if you want to work in this field because it provides a good overview of the ethical issues that researchers face and how to address them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts have a background in collecting, analyzing, and presenting data. They help tell data-driven stories that help make decisions. This course can help build a foundation in understanding how researchers work with data related to human subjects. Also, you'll gain experience in constructing arguments and assessing the arguments of others in a constructive way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Science Journalist

Science Journalists write about science and technology for newspapers, magazines, and other publications. They help the public understand complex scientific concepts and issues. This course may be helpful if you want to work in this field because it provides a good overview of the ethical issues that researchers face and how to address them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Journalist

Research Project Manager

Research Project Managers lead projects in a wide variety of settings, from universities to government agencies to private companies. This course may be helpful if you want to work in this field because it provides a good overview of the ethical issues that researchers face and how to address them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Project Manager