Ethics in Basic and Applied Research

Abstract

Child development involves systematic changes across physical, cognitive, and psychosocial domains throughout the lifespan. Research on development has been instrumental in the advancement of screening and assessment tools; programs for prevention, education, and intervention; and public health initiatives. Basic and applied behavior‐analytic research has led to many advances in understanding the development of children across the lifespan, primarily by focusing on the laws or principles of behavior. Researchers who apply scientific methodology when conducting basic behavior‐analytic research engage in the study and identification of behavioral processes and principles that influence learning (i.e., skill acquisition). Human subject research has produced socially significant findings; however, as history has revealed, human subject research has also produced troubling ethical predicaments, violating basic human rights and putting subjects at physical and psychological risk. Ethical principles have shaped current research practices and provide a basis from which current ethical codes are derived. It is the duty of research organizations to create ethical codes of conduct applicable to their missions. Researchers have an obligation to not only develop but also adhere to current standards for ethical research. Furthermore, researchers are obligated to effectively teach ethical research to others, so as to increase compliance with ethical standards and protect human subjects.