LESSON: Ethics in Experiments

Research ethics are a consideration anytime there are human or animal test subjects. 

It is important to consider the ethics of research when conducting experiments and other types of statistical studies. Ethics are the standards for conduct that distinguish between right and wrong. They are rules to judge the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behaviors on the part of the researcher.

Why is it so important to consider ethics in statistical studies? If a study is deemed to be unethical, the integrity, validity and reliability of the research findings can be compromised. The public, researchers, participants and other parties want to know that the study followed the appropriate guidelines for issues such as human rights, animal welfare, compliance with the law, conflicts of interest, safety, health standards and so on. If these issues are handled unethically the experiment can be harmful to the participants, the results unacceptable and can have lasting consequences for all involved.