5. Ethics: Avoidance of Harm

Avoidance of harm is a fundamental ethical principle in scientific research that requires scientists to take steps to minimize potential negative consequences of their work.

5.1. Examples

  • Keep survey respondents’ answers private.

  • Do not misuse personal or medical data beyond what participants consented to.

  • Follow all safety procedures to avoid harm to yourself and others during investigations.

  • Source specimens ethically β€” avoid populations that are endangered or protected.

  • Use simulations or models instead of live animals when valid alternatives exist.

  • Protect animal participants β€” in any procedure, welfare comes before results.

  • End an experiment early if it causes unexpected suffering.

  • Obtain permits before entering national parks or protected areas.

  • Observe animals in their natural habitat without disturbing or harming them.

Fill in the Gaps β€” Avoidance of Harm

Complete the following by filling in the missing verbs.

Word list (A β†’ Z): avoid β€’ protect β€’ respect β€’ stop β€’ use

  1. Researchers must ______________ personal or medical data beyond what participants have consented to.

  2. Scientists should ______________ all required safety procedures to prevent harm during investigations.

  3. When valid alternatives exist, researchers should ______________ simulations or models instead of live animals.

  4. An experiment must ______________ immediately if it causes unexpected suffering.

  5. Field researchers must ______________ wildlife by observing animals without disturbing them.

Reveal Answer Key

  1. avoid

  2. respect

  3. use

  4. stop

  5. protect

Multiple-Choice Questions

Choose the best answer for each question.

  1. Which action best demonstrates avoidance of harm in field research?

    a. Feeding wildlife to encourage interaction
    b. Collecting specimens from endangered populations
    c. Approaching animals closely to get better photographs
    d. Observing animals without disturbing their natural behaviour

  1. Why should researchers use simulations or models when possible?

    a. They reduce the need to involve live animals
    b. They eliminate the need for safety equipment
    c. They guarantee more accurate results
    d. They are always faster to run

  1. When should an experiment be ended early?

    a. When the equipment is difficult to operate
    b. When the sample size becomes too large
    c. When it causes unexpected suffering to participants
    d. When the results are not what the researcher expected

  1. Why is it important to keep survey responses private?

    a. It protects individuals from potential harm or misuse of information
    b. It prevents participants from changing their answers
    c. It increases the number of responses collected
    d. It makes data analysis easier

  1. Which action shows responsible handling of protected environments?

    a. Removing plants or rocks for personal study
    b. Entering national parks without permits to save time
    c. Collecting samples from restricted areas
    d. Staying on approved paths and obtaining required permits
Reveal Answer Key

    1. Observing animals without disturbing their natural behaviour

    1. They reduce the need to involve live animals

    1. When it causes unexpected suffering to participants

    1. It protects individuals from potential harm or misuse of information

    1. Staying on approved paths and obtaining required permits