Ethical issues in observational family research.
Ethical issues raised by the increasing reliance on observational technology in family research are discussed. The tensions between scientific advancement and participant welfare are highlighted by delineating the process of observational research and the nature of the relationship between family scientists and the families they study. Guidelines are proposed for ethical decision making regarding potential child abuse, suicidality, informed consent, confidentiality, and debriefing.
Bussell
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Center for Family Research, George Washington University, Washington DC 20037.
D003219:Confidentiality; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005196:Family Therapy; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012107:Research Design; D014743:Videotape Recording