Junior Diversity and Research Ethics ((3))

Catalog description

This seminar focuses on the ethical considerations that must be carefully considered when using diverse and vulnerable populations for research purposes in Sociology. Vulnerable populations include for example children, women, racial/ethnic minorities, economically/socially disadvantaged, institutionalized or incarcerated, severely injured or ill, etc. Integral with the issue of making decisions in using research participants from vulnerable populations are three major principles: (1) respect for persons as autonomous agents capable of self-determination and the implementation of special procedures to protect persons with diminished autonomy; (2) beneficence in doing no harm and maximizing possible benefits and minimizing possible risks for the research participants; and (3) justice in that the burden of research participation is not unduly imposed and that all benefits to which the participant is entitled are not denied. This seminar further emphasizes social and cultural diversity, approaches to researching the other, and covers various research topics that are controversial and that face ethical challenges. Prerequisites: At least 45 units and completion of lower division Area 1A.