Week 9 Chapter 10 Discussion Question

Srinijh Reddy Chendi

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 Data/Research Ethics

Introduction:

In today's data-driven world, the intersection of ethics and technology in the field of data and

research ethics poses significant challenges. Data and research ethics encompass the

principles and guidelines governing the responsible conduct of research, data collection,

analysis, and dissemination. As technology continues to advance rapidly, it introduces new

possibilities and complexities, raising ethical concerns surrounding privacy, consent,

transparency, and the equitable use of data. This paper explores the field of data/research

ethics, identifies technology drivers leading to ethical concerns, discusses central ethical

issues contributing to conflicts with technology, provides examples of potential conflicts, and

examines how society approaches handling these conflicts.

Defining the Field:

Data/research ethics involves the ethical considerations and principles governing the

collection, management, analysis, and dissemination of data in research settings (Ferretti et

al., 2021). It encompasses ensuring the protection of human subjects' rights, maintaining

confidentiality and privacy, obtaining informed consent, and adhering to professional codes

of conduct and regulatory requirements. Researchers are ethically obligated to conduct their

work with integrity, transparency, and accountability, while also considering the potential

social, cultural, and ethical implications of their research activities.

Identifying Technology Drivers:

The proliferation of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine

learning, big data analytics, and data mining serves as a primary driver leading to ethical

concerns in data and research ethics. These technologies enable researchers to collect,

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analyse, and interpret vast amounts of data with unprecedented speed and accuracy. However,

they also raise ethical questions regarding data privacy, security, bias, and the potential for

unintended consequences. For example, AI algorithms may inadvertently perpetuate biases

present in training data, leading to discriminatory outcomes in research findings or decision-

making processes.

Central Ethical Issues and Conflicts with Technology:

Several central ethical issues contribute to conflicts with technology in the field of

data/research ethics. These include:

i. Privacy and Data Protection: The collection and use of personal data in research

raise concerns about privacy infringement and data security breaches (Alnajrani et

al., 2020). Advances in technology have made it easier to collect and analyse

sensitive information, raising ethical questions about consent, anonymization, and

data ownership.

ii. Informed Consent and Autonomy: Obtaining informed consent from research

participants is a cornerstone of ethical research practice. However, the

proliferation of online data collection methods and passive data collection

techniques (e.g., tracking cookies) complicates the process of obtaining informed

consent, raising questions about autonomy and transparency in research.

iii. Data Bias and Fairness: AI and machine learning algorithms are susceptible to

bias, reflecting and amplifying existing societal biases present in training data.

This bias can result in unfair or discriminatory outcomes in research findings or

decision-making processes, perpetuating inequities and undermining the integrity

of research results.

Example of Potential Conflict:

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An example of the potential conflict between ethics and technology in data/research ethics is

the use of facial recognition technology in research studies. Facial recognition technology has

the potential to revolutionize research methodologies by enabling researchers to analyze

facial expressions, emotions, and behavior patterns. However, the widespread deployment of

facial recognition technology raises significant ethical concerns regarding privacy, consent,

and surveillance. For instance, researchers may inadvertently capture and analyze facial data

without obtaining informed consent from individuals, leading to potential privacy violations

and ethical breaches.

Society's Approach to Handling Conflicts:

Society approaches handling conflicts between ethics, technology, and data/research ethics

through various means, including laws, regulations, professional guidelines, and ethical

frameworks. For example, regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation

(GDPR) in the European Union and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

(HIPAA) in the United States establish legal requirements for data protection, privacy, and

informed consent in research settings. Professional organizations and research institutions

also develop ethical guidelines and codes of conduct to govern the ethical conduct of research

involving human subjects and data. Additionally, interdisciplinary collaborations between

ethicists, technologists, policymakers, and stakeholders facilitate ongoing dialogue and

debate on emerging ethical issues in data/research ethics, fostering awareness, accountability,

and responsible innovation in research practices.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the field of data/research ethics intersects with technology in complex ways,

giving rise to ethical challenges and conflicts that require careful consideration and ethical

stewardship. By identifying technology drivers, discussing central ethical issues, providing

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examples of potential conflicts, and examining societal approaches to handling conflicts, this

paper sheds light on the intricate interplay between ethics, technology, and data/research

ethics. Moving forward, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical reflection, and regulatory

oversight are essential for navigating these ethical challenges and ensuring the responsible

conduct of research in the digital age.

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 References

Alnajrani, H. M., Norman, A. A., & Ahmed, B. H. (2020). Privacy and data protection in

mobile cloud computing: A systematic mapping study. Plos one, 15(6), e0234312.

Ferretti, A., Ienca, M., Sheehan, M., Blasimme, A., Dove, E. S., Farsides, B., & Vayena, E.

(2021). Ethics review of big data research: What should stay and what should be

reformed?. BMC medical ethics, 22(1), 51.