1. Ethics: General Principles

Ethical scientific research requires scientists to act responsibly, minimise harm, treat others fairly, and report their work truthfully.

1.1. General Ethical Principles

Principle

Everyday Meaning

Respect for Others

Treat all people with dignity and obtain proper consent.

Doing Good

Maximise positive impacts on people, animals, and the environment.

Avoidance of Harm

Minimise risks and prevent negative consequences.

Honesty

Report findings truthfully and accurately.

Fairness

Select and interpret data without bias.

Fill in the Gaps — General Ethical Principles

Complete the following by filling in the missing verbs.

Word list (A → Z): minimise • obtain • report • respect • select

  1. Researchers must ______________ consent before collecting personal information.

  2. Scientists should ______________ risks to people, animals, and the environment.

  3. All findings must be ______________ truthfully and accurately.

  4. Data should be ______________ and interpreted without bias.

  5. Researchers must ______________ the dignity and rights of all participants.

Reveal Answer Key

  1. obtain

  2. minimise

  3. reported

  4. selected

  5. respect

Multiple-Choice Questions

Choose the best answer for each question.

  1. Which action best demonstrates ethical behaviour in scientific research?

    a. Reporting findings truthfully
    b. Ignoring unexpected results
    c. Selecting only data that supports the hypothesis
    d. Sharing personal information without consent

  1. Why is it important to minimise risks during an investigation?

    a. It reduces the time needed for data collection
    b. It ensures the safety of people, animals, and the environment
    c. It guarantees more accurate results
    d. It avoids the need for safety equipment

  1. Which action shows fairness in data interpretation?

    a. Selecting data that supports a preferred outcome
    b. Ignoring data that contradicts expectations
    c. Interpreting all data without bias
    d. Changing results to match predictions

  1. Why must researchers obtain consent before collecting personal information?

    a. It makes the study easier to organise
    b. It protects participants’ rights and dignity
    c. It increases the number of responses
    d. It reduces the need for follow-up questions

  1. Which example best demonstrates commitment to doing good?

    a. Avoiding collaboration with others
    b. Keeping results within a single institution
    c. Using animals whenever convenient
    d. Applying findings to improve people’s lives
Reveal Answer Key

  1. a — Reporting findings truthfully

  1. b — It ensures the safety of people, animals, and the environment

  1. c — Interpreting all data without bias

  1. b — It protects participants’ rights and dignity

  1. d — Applying findings to improve people’s lives