Lesson Overview

Research plays an important part in generating and advancing knowledge about issues that affect various aspects of human life. Conducting research is an exciting activity, but it comes with responsibilities. This need for responsibility is particularly true for the research that involves human beings as participants. Research participants can provide very useful information, some of which could be personal or professional in nature.

It is the researcher’s duty to conduct the inquiry in a responsible manner that does not put participants at physical, psychological, or professional risk. You might ask: How can I put participants at risk if I am conducting research on administration or policy? Well, the information provided in this lesson will answer your question!

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson you should be able to

• recognize the importance of ethical practice when conducting research projects;
• identify and evaluate the potential risks for human participants in a research project;
• discuss the principles of ethical treatment of human subjects, including informed consent;
• discuss the federal rules and regulations for protecting human participants, including the roles and functions of the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs);
• demonstrate knowledge of the rules of the Office for Research Protections (ORP) at Penn State; and
• apply your knowledge of protecting employees and clients as research participants when you apply for permission to conduct a study in your organization.

Lesson Roadmap

By the end of this lesson, make sure you have completed the readings and activities found in the Lesson 2 Course Schedule.

Note: It is very important that you complete the textbook chapter readings before you study the topics in this lesson. The information in this lesson is not meant to replicate what is in the book. The information and the examples provided here are based on the assumption that you have read the chapter.