Research Governance and ethics

Question 1

What is research ethics?

Answer 1

Research ethics refers to the moral principles guiding research practices, ensuring integrity, transparency, and respect for participants.

Question 2

Why should we care about research ethics?

Answer 2

Research ethics protects participants, ensures research rigour, and maintains the integrity and reputation of the research community.

Question 3

What does COSHH stand for?

Answer 3

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Question 4

What is the purpose of COSHH risk assessments?

Answer 4

To protect both the researcher and those being researched by identifying and managing risks associated with hazardous substances.

Question 5

Give examples of activities that require COSHH assessments.

Answer 5

• Conventional lab work
• Handling chemicals
• Use of hazardous materials

Question 6

What are potential consequences of non-compliance with health and safety regulations?

Answer 6

• Injury
• Dismissal
• Prosecution
• Loss of life
• Loss of insurance
• Reputational damage

Question 7

What does GDPR stand for?

Answer 7

General Data Protection Regulation

Question 8

What is a key principle of data protection under GDPR?

Answer 8

Minimal data collection and secure storage of data.

Question 9

What are the basic principles of ethical practice in research?

Answer 9

• Informed Consent
• No Pressure on Individuals to Participate
• Respect Individual Autonomy
• Avoid Causing Harm
• Maintain Anonymity and Confidentiality
• Take Particular Care in Research with Vulnerable Groups

Question 10

What is informed consent?

Answer 10

Participants must be fully informed about the study and its risks before agreeing to participate.

Question 11

What are the ethical considerations when conducting research with children?

Answer 11

Ensuring informed assent and consideration of their ability to understand the research.

Question 12

What is the researcher responsible for in terms of risks?

Answer 12

Ensuring that risks are justified and minimized and that participants are aware of the risks.

Question 13

True or False: Ethical issues only arise in qualitative research methods.

Answer 13

False

Question 14

What can be the repercussions of breaching ethical guidance?

Answer 14

• Failure at examination
• Removal of professional accreditation
• Refusal to publish results
• Damage to reputation

Question 15

What is autonomy in the context of research ethics?

Answer 15

The freedom of participants to decide whether to participate and to withdraw at any time.

Question 16

What does maintaining anonymity involve?

Answer 16

Removing identifiable information from data to protect participants’ identities.

Question 17

What is the Human Tissue Act (2004)?

Answer 17

Legislation governing the use of human tissues, requiring donor consent for retention and use.

Question 18

What happens if ethical approval is breached in research?

Answer 18

• Publication retraction
• Fines
• Reputational damage
• Withdrawal of insurance

Question 19

What is a key principle behind the lawful retention and use of human tissue?

Answer 19

Donor consent

Question 20

What type of research requires consideration under the NHS ethics review process?

Answer 20

Research involving patients and users of the NHS, including staff recruited due to their professional role.

Question 21

Fill in the blank: Ethical review considers the _______ and responsibilities of the researcher.

Answer 21

risks

Question 22

Why is it important to take particular care in research with vulnerable groups?

Answer 22

To protect individuals who may be at higher risk of harm or exploitation.

Question 23

What is the role of the Research Ethics Committee (REC) in the NHS?

Answer 23

To review research proposals involving NHS patients and staff to ensure ethical standards are met.

Question 24

What should researchers do if a participant requests to withdraw their data?

Answer 24

Have a plan in place to remove the data while maintaining confidentiality.

Question 25

What is a common ethical challenge in research?

Answer 25

Conflicts of interest between the researcher and the researched.

Question 26

What are the ethical considerations for a project involving human brain tissue?

Answer 26

* Informed consent from donors * Minimizing risks to participants * Ensuring confidentiality of data

Question 27

What are the ethical considerations for a cancer treatment project involving mice?

Answer 27

* Ensuring humane treatment of animals * Monitoring for side effects * Justifying the use of animal models

Question 28

What is the main goal of the scientific project investigating a novel cancer treatment?

Answer 28

To investigate the efficacy and safety of a novel cancer treatment in mouse models ## Footnote The project includes testing the treatment on various types of cancer such as breast, lung, and colon cancer.

Question 29

Which types of cancer are being tested in the novel treatment project?

Answer 29

* Breast cancer * Lung cancer * Colon cancer ## Footnote These cancers are specifically mentioned as part of the study's focus.

Question 30

How will the effectiveness of the new cancer treatment be evaluated?

Answer 30

By measuring tumor growth and survival rates ## Footnote This evaluation will be conducted on the mice treated with the new therapy.

Question 31

What will be monitored to evaluate the safety of the new cancer treatment?

Answer 31

Potential side effects in the mice ## Footnote Safety assessment is a critical part of the research methodology.

Question 32

What could be the outcome if the novel cancer treatment is successful?

Answer 32

It could lead to the development of a new cancer treatment that significantly improves patient outcomes ## Footnote This highlights the potential impact of the research on human health.

Question 33

What is the focus of the scientific project investigating social media's impact?

Answer 33

To investigate the impact of social media use on mental health ## Footnote The project includes conducting interviews with participants.

Question 34

What methods will be used to explore participants' experiences with social media?

Answer 34

In-depth interviews ## Footnote These interviews will cover various aspects of social media use.

Question 35

What topics will be covered in the interviews about social media use?

Answer 35

* Frequency of use * Duration of use * Types of content consumed * Emotional responses to social media ## Footnote These factors are crucial to understanding the relationship between social media and mental health.

Question 36

What insights does the study on social media aim to provide?

Answer 36

New insights into the potential impact of social media on mental health ## Footnote The study may also identify factors contributing to negative effects.

Question 37

What physiological effects of sleep deprivation are being investigated?

Answer 37

* Increased blood pressure * Increased heart rate * Increased inflammation ## Footnote These are known negative effects on cardiovascular health.

Question 38

What will participants undergo in the sleep deprivation study?

Answer 38

A series of physiological experiments ## Footnote These experiments will measure various health indicators.

Question 39

What is the aim of the sleep deprivation study?

Answer 39

To provide insights into the physiological mechanisms underlying the negative effects of sleep deprivation ## Footnote The study may identify potential intervention targets.

Question 40

What is the main research focus of the project on nutrition and cognitive development in children?

Answer 40

To investigate the relationship between nutrition and cognitive development ## Footnote This project includes measuring nutritional biomarkers and cognitive assessments.

Question 41

What nutritional biomarkers will be measured in the children?

Answer 41

* Iron * Vitamin D * Omega-3 fatty acids ## Footnote These biomarkers are crucial for assessing nutritional status.

Question 42

What insights does the nutrition study aim to provide?

Answer 42

New insights into the relationship between nutrition and cognitive development in children ## Footnote Potential nutritional interventions may also be identified.

Question 43

What is the significance of Henrietta Lacks' cells in medical research?

Answer 43

Henrietta's cancer cells, known as HeLa cells, were the first human cells to survive long-term in a laboratory ## Footnote This breakthrough has had a lasting impact on medical research.

Question 44

What was Henrietta Lacks suffering from when her cells were taken?

Answer 44

Cervical cancer ## Footnote Her diagnosis led to the collection of her tissue for research.

Question 45

What did George Gey request from cervical cancer patients?

Answer 45

Tissue samples ## Footnote This was part of his research to develop cell cultures.

Question 46

When did the Lacks family learn about the existence of HeLa cells?

Answer 46

In 1973 ## Footnote They were informed by a family friend who was a researcher.

Question 47

What ethical considerations are associated with animal research?

Answer 47

The 3Rs in animal research ## Footnote These principles include Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement.

Question 48

What does the term 'eDNA' refer to?

Answer 48

Environmental DNA ## Footnote It is often used in ecological studies for species detection.

Question 49

What should researchers consider regarding the use of animals?

Answer 49

* Wild/captive permissions * Capture * Transport * Euthanasia * Animal by-products ## Footnote These factors are important for ethical compliance in research.