Key Terms in Research Ethics and Sampling

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Animal rights

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The concept that all sensate species that feel pain are of equal value and have rights.

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Animal welfare

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The humane care and treatment of animals.

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At risk

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The likelihood of a subject being harmed in some way because of the nature of the research.

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Debriefing

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The principle of full disclosure at the end of an experiment; explaining to the subject the nature and purpose of the study.

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Fraud

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The unethical practice of falsifying or fabricating data; plagiarism is also a form of fraud.

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Informed consent

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A subject’s voluntary agreement to participate in a research project after the nature and purpose of the study have been explained.

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Institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC)

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An institutional committee that reviews proposed research to safeguard the welfare of animal subjects.

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Institutional review board (IRB)

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An institutional committee that reviews proposed research to safeguard the safety and rights of human participants.

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Minimal risk

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The subject’s odds of being harmed are not increased by the research.

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Plagiarism

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The representation of someone else’s ideas, words, or written work as one’s own; a serious breach of ethics that can result in legal action.