Imagine that you have a good friend who you haven't seen for a few years. You are catching up and find that your friend has become very interested in science. As you listen to your friend, you discover that she is a bit "overboard". She goes on about how scientific discovery is the most important endeavor and that nothing should stand in its way. "What do you mean?", you ask. "Are you saying that you should be able to do anything in the name of science?" Your friend replies, "Not anything, but just about. Scientific discovery has helped in so many ways. Scientists should not be restricted in the experiments they conduct to advance knowledge, even if some people don't agree with some of the methods used. There are too many controls that impede discovery. A lot more should be left to the discretion of the scientist instead of having to get permission for everything and make sure that participants are aware of everything."
Action Items
In a Microsoft Word document:
Write a letter to your friend explaining the importance of informed consent in research using human subjects.
In the letter, describe the benefits of following the norms for expected behavior in science. Provide at least two examples that illustrate the benefits.
In the letter, describe the consequences of not following the norms for expected behavior in science. Provide at least two examples that illustrate the consquences.