Case Background
In the given research scenario, a researcher conducted a study on the effect of horror movies on teenagers’ memory. He chose teenagers between 14 and 17 years old and asked them to watch three horror movies within a six-hour period. Before watching horror movies, teenagers take tests to test their visual and auditory memory. After watching, they retook the visual and auditory memory tests. According to the research findings, teenagers’ visual memory declined. In contrast, their auditory memory was not affected by the six hours of watching horror movies.
Research Ethics
Informed Consent
Several ethical concerns should have been taken into account before conducting the research. First, the study participants are under 18 years old and therefore cannot make decisions on their own behalf. The research can be conducted only after consent from their parents or guardians (Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences, 2017). The parents and caregivers of the teenagers should have provided written consent for their children to participate in the study.
Beneficence
Secondly, according to the principle of beneficence, all participants should have been informed about the possible risks to their physical and mental well-being, as the principle claims not to harm and to maximize possible benefits while minimizing risks (Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences, 2017). In the case of the research mentioned earlier, watching horror movies hurt their visual memory. Therefore, the principle of beneficence was not maintained. Moreover, the long-term effect on the teenagers’ visual memory was not considered, and there is a possible risk that their visual memory may not recover.
Research Design
Finally, to make this research more ethical and prevent teenagers from being exposed to possible risks, the researcher should have conducted a scholarly-based study. He should have investigated how horror movies affect the specific areas of the brain responsible for memory. This approach would not require the involvement of any human beings and would not harm them.
Reference
Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences. (2017). International ethical guidelines for health-related research involving humans. World Health Organization.