Research Ethics
As with the Op-Eds, this assignment asks you to argue a thesis that addresses a specific question or set of questions. The difference between this research paper and the Op-Eds is that an in-depth literature review of your topic should be used as evidence to support and advance your thesis.
Your research paper can follow one of the following models:
1. It can make an original argument arising out of your literature review. (Ex: “A new federal agency should be established to provide oversight of IRBs.”)
2. It can critique someone else’s argument. (Ex: “Carl Cohen’s argument that animals do not have moral rights and are thus proper subjects of research is unsound because …”)
3. It can draw conclusions about the state of scholarship in an area, highlighting gaps in the literature and/or areas in need of further research.
The intended audience for this research paper is an educated colleague in bioethics or another field.
Your research paper should have the following components:
I. Introduction and thesis statement
II. Arguments
III. Objections/possible problems with your thesis and your responses.
IV. Summary of argument and concluding remarks.
Topic chosen and abstract:
Ethical Issues in HIV/AIDS Research:
The HIV/AIDS epidemic presented several health challenges in the US, including ethical and moral issues, and magnified stigmatization and discrimination against homosexual men and drugs users. Research in HIV/AIDS treatment entails vaccine trials, microbicidal trials, and parent to child transmission prevention trials. Because HIV/AIDS has most effected vulnerable populations, research in HIV/AIDS treatment poses several bioethical challenges – namely respect for autonomy and justice. HIV/AIDS research poses many risks to participants, as well as their sexual partners and children, and especially so due to the vulnerability of HIV/AIDS patients. With increasing efforts in HIV/AIDS prevention, now including phylogenetic and molecular epidemiology, efforts must be made to ensure the participants’ consent is informed and voluntary, and their risks are mitigated. This paper considers the four principles of bioethics to analyze efforts and possible solutions addressing the ethical challenges posed by HIV/AIDS research.
