Case Studies, Focus Groups and Observations
Ricardo works for the records department of his local government as a computer records clerk, where he has access to files of property tax records. For a scientific study, a researcher, Beth, has been granted access to the numerical portion “but not the corresponding names” of some records.
Beth finds some information that she would like to use, but she needs the names and addresses corresponding with certain properties. Beth asks Ricardo to retrieve these names and addresses, so she can contact these people for more information and for permission to do further study.
Now consider, what are the ethical issues involved in deciding which of these options to pursue?
- If Ricardo is not responsible for determining allowable access, should he release the names and addresses?
- Suppose Ricardo were responsible for determining allowable access to the files. What ethical issues would be involved in his deciding whether to grant access to Beth?
- Should Beth be allowed to contact the individuals involved? That is, should the Records department release individuals' names to a researcher? What are the ethical issues for the Records department to consider?
- Suppose Beth contacts the individuals to ask their permission, and one-third of them respond giving permission, one-third respond denying permission, and one-third do not respond. Beth claims that at least one-half of the individuals are needed to make a valid study. What options are available to Beth?
RESPONSE
If Ricardo is not responsible for determining access to the data, then he should not simply release the names and addresses to Beth. If he was responsible then the consideration comes down to the initial purpose of the data. If the research is regarding the main purpose of the initial data providing then Ricardo should contact each of the persons on the list first before passing the consenting names to Beth. If the research is not on the same topic than the original reason of providing the name then Ricardo has to decide if Beth intent is good enough to contact them or not, at which he still should contact them for consent before passing the data to Beth.
Beth should only be allowed to contact them after receiving consent from each individual. This is due to the data possibly having sensitive information that could be used to damage an individual. If the responses are mixed and Beth needs at least half the total amount then she can include those that consented and try other methods to get more individuals involved, or try again with the non-responders with more persuading methods such as rewards.
She could also redesign her studies or request the government for special approval if the research is incredibly important, such as life-or-death situations. However, no matter what she shall not include those that has rejected consent.