Ethics in Genetic Research (Psychology)
Discuss Ethical Considerations In Research Into Genetic Influences On Behaviour
Research into human genetics aims to determine the influence of genes on behaviour and identify genes involved in hereditary diseases and disorders. This kind of research may pose risks to participants because there are consequences of any individual, and their family who finds out they have a genetic predisposition to a disorder or behaviour that is harmful. In psychology, ethics must be considered to ensure participants (both humans and animals) are not harmed in any way and that the research conducted is ethically valid. Ethical considerations in research into genetic influences on behaviour include revelations of carrying genes for genetic conditions, informed consent for genetic research, confidentiality of participants and stigmatization of individuals on basis of knowledge of genetic conditions.
During the study, the participant should know their privacy and confidentiality will be protected, what will happen to genetic information obtained as a result of the study should be disclosed, aim and procedure of the study must be explained understandably and informed consent form must be signed. When considering genetic research in itself, it is important to remember that it can reveal information that may harm participants e.g. evidence of misattributed paternity or unrevealed adoptions in a family. Also some groups may have objections to genetic study as a cultural principle, given history of discrimination and especially the eugenics movements.
Genetic research can reveal unexpected information that may harm participants. In 1982, Nurnberger and Gershon reviewed the results of seven twin studies to find that concordance rate – correlation – for major depressive disorder was consistently higher for MZT twins that DZT twins. The ethical considerations in this study include the knowledge of a genetic predisposition to depression may cause people undue stress as they may fear the
Research into human genetics aims to determine the influence of genes on behaviour and identify genes involved in hereditary diseases and disorders. This kind of research may pose risks to participants because there are consequences of any individual, and their family who finds out they have a genetic predisposition to a disorder or behaviour that is harmful. In psychology, ethics must be considered to ensure participants (both humans and animals) are not harmed in any way and that the research conducted is ethically valid. Ethical considerations in research into genetic influences on behaviour include revelations of carrying genes for genetic conditions, informed consent for genetic research, confidentiality of participants and stigmatization of individuals on basis of knowledge of genetic conditions.
During the study, the participant should know their privacy and confidentiality will be protected, what will happen to genetic information obtained as a result of the study should be disclosed, aim and procedure of the study must be explained understandably and informed consent form must be signed. When considering genetic research in itself, it is important to remember that it can reveal information that may harm participants e.g. evidence of misattributed paternity or unrevealed adoptions in a family. Also some groups may have objections to genetic study as a cultural principle, given history of discrimination and especially the eugenics movements.
Genetic research can reveal unexpected information that may harm participants. In 1982, Nurnberger and Gershon reviewed the results of seven twin studies to find that concordance rate – correlation – for major depressive disorder was consistently higher for MZT twins that DZT twins. The ethical considerations in this study include the knowledge of a genetic predisposition to depression may cause people undue stress as they may fear the