Ethics in Research

Your written response to this discussion prompt assesses your ability to examine ethical guidelines for conducting action research in the education profession. This discussion also supports your achievement of Course Learning Outcomes 1 and 2.

Think back to the courses you have taken that have given you a perspective on co-teaching and collaboration, the sharing of knowledge with fellow faculty, and using face-to-face, virtual, and blended communications. In essence, a PLC consists of individuals with an interest in the same profession. The focus of a PLC in the education field can be taking measures to ensure students learn, creating a culture of collaboration in the school, school improvement, and more (DuFour, 2004).

As an education professional, you have been selected by the local university to advise them regarding the creation of an IRB for action research proposals. More specifically, as an education professional you have been selected to participate with a group of other professionals to inform and persuade the local university of why the incorporation of an IRB is of utmost importance.

To start off this discussion, first view the Belmont Report, Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research (Links to an external site.). 

• Next, working in your mock PLC ( identified in the Working Together to Support Collaboration Discussion)  come up with a supported argument based on personal experiences and scholarly literature, including Chapter 4 of the Mertler (2014) text, in which you defend why creation of an IRB board is needed at the local university As you formulate your response keep in mind these key concepts ( respect for persons, benefice, and justice, informed consent, assessment of risk and selection of subjects). Discuss the purpose of creating an IRB. Highlight how the IRB is a way to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to protect the rights and welfare of humans participating as subjects in the research especially in regards to special populations.
• Discuss how the implementation of an IRB body will be established to protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects recruited to participate in research activities conducted under the auspices of the institution with which it is affiliated.

* Note in your Week Three Working Together to Support Collaboration, Discussion you identified each member of your group and which of the bulleted points listed in this discussion each member of the group will be working on. 

 Kanner, S., Langerman, S., & Grey, M. (2004). Ethical considerations for a child’s participation in research. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing, 9(1), 15-23. 

Note in your Week Three Working Together to Support Collaboration Discussion One  you identified each member of your group and which of the bulleted points listed in this discussion each member of the group will be working on.

• Discuss the purpose of creating an IRB. Highlight how the IRB is a way to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to protect the rights and welfare of humans participating as subjects in the research especially in regards to special populations.
• Discuss how the implementation of an IRB body will be established to protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects recruited to participate in research activities conducted under the auspices of the institution with which it is affiliated.