Author Question: Why are vulnerable populations considered vulnerable and to what are they vulnerable? (Select all ... (Read 179 times)

dbose · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

Why are vulnerable populations considered vulnerable and to what are they vulnerable? (Select all that apply.)

a. Physical harm because of a preexistent mental or physical condition
b. The possibility of being assigned to the experimental group
c. Unethical researchers
d. Coercion
e. Diminished autonomy because of an impaired ability to consent

Question 2

How would a professor who wants to have his students provide data for a research study go about achieving this without involving coercion?

a. Mention that participation provides extra points.
b. Have a research assistant consent all subjects and collect all data.
c. Offer extra points to the whole class if 50 of them act as subjects.
d. Open the study to all students on campus and provide a nonacademic incentive.

spencer.martell · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, D, E
Some persons have diminished autonomy or are vulnerable and less advantaged because of legal or mental incompetence, terminal illness, or confinement to an institution. These persons require additional protection of their right to self-determination, because they have a decreased ability, or an inability, to give informed consent. In addition, these persons are vulnerable to coercion and deception. The U.S. DHHS has identified certain vulnerable groups of individuals, including pregnant women, human fetuses, neonates, children, mentally incompetent persons, and prisoners, who require additional protection in the conduct of research. Neonates are extremely vulnerable and require extra protection to determine their involvement in research. Some hospitalized patients are survivors of trauma (such as auto accidents, gunshot wounds, or physical and sexual abuse) who are very vulnerable and who often have decreased decision-making capacities. Sometimes students feel forced to participate in research to protect their grades or prevent negative relationships with the faculty conducting the research. Other subjects are coerced to participate in studies because they believe that they cannot refuse the excessive rewards offered, such as large sums of money, specialized health care, special privileges, and jobs.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
A subject's right to self-determination can be violated through the use of (1) coercion, (2) covert data collection, and (3) deception. Coercion occurs when one person intentionally presents another with an overt threat of harm or the lure of excessive reward to obtain compliance. Sometimes students feel forced to participate in research to protect their grades or prevent negative relationships with the faculty conducting the research. They are being coerced.