4. Under what circumstances is it ethical to deny human subjects of research projects information about the results of that research?
Telling a subject they have an extra chromosome can greatly affect the subject’s life. If the subject is informed they have an extra chromosome, which in the public is viewed to be criminally and socially unstable, they can change the way the act. They will see themselves as criminals and thus act like criminals. If they start to think they are not accepted in society, they will become depressed and distance themselves from society. Learning of someone’s faults can cause them to have a negative image by society. In conclusion, researchers should not reveal the results of the test because it could risk the way the individual and others viewed the subject.
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I disagree with this. The subject of the experiment has every right to know of the results, despite what it may cause the subject to think of himself or herself. In a later post, someone had posted that the belief that males with an extra Y chromosome has proven to be false. If this is so, it shouldn't necessarily affect the emotional response of the subject. Furthermore, the scientists should take the time to explain there is nothing wrong with the subject; the subject is just different than most.
ReplyDeleteWho makes the decision as to whether it is going to be harmful or not? What about making that part of the consent and having the subject decide whether or not she wants to find out?
ReplyDeleteIt would be better for the subject to decide whether or not they want to find out the results. However, they might not like the answer they recieve. Though the XYY "criminal cromosome" was proven to be false, that does not mean people still completely forget the fact that once, these people were known as criminals. Some people might not be able to let go of that fact. But, in a way, I do agree with Jenny.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the other comments, that the subject should have the choice on whether or not they recieve the results. If it affects the way they act, then that is just how it is. The study should not withhold the results if the subject does not want them to, because after all it does involve their life, not the scientist's life.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the subject has the right to know the results of any tests taken on him/her. Many people may not be affected by the results and therefore should have the right to know the truth so they can get help if needed.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the other comments. the subject should be able to decide if they want to find out their results. The subject may be disappointed with the results, but it is their choice on how to live with it.
ReplyDeleteI do not agree with this answer.
ReplyDeleteThe subject should know what the results of the tests are.
If something is wrong with them, they have the right to know.