Non-maleficence

Definition

Non-maleficence is the ethical principle that obligates individuals, particularly researchers, to avoid causing harm to others. In the context of research, it emphasizes the importance of protecting the welfare of participants and ensuring that their rights are respected. This principle is foundational to ethical research practices, as it aligns with the need to balance the potential benefits of research with the risks involved for human subjects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Non-maleficence is rooted in the Hippocratic Oath, which calls for physicians to 'do no harm,' and this idea has been adapted for research ethics.
2. This principle is critical in anthropological research where researchers must be sensitive to cultural contexts and potential repercussions of their work on communities.
3. Researchers are required to assess risks associated with their studies and implement measures to minimize any potential harm to participants.
4. Non-maleficence is closely tied to informed consent; researchers must ensure participants understand risks before agreeing to participate.
5. Failure to adhere to non-maleficence can result in serious ethical violations, leading to mistrust between communities and researchers, impacting future research opportunities.

Review Questions

• How does non-maleficence influence the design of research studies involving human participants?
  • Non-maleficence plays a crucial role in guiding researchers to design studies that minimize risk and protect participants from harm. Researchers must carefully consider potential physical, psychological, or social risks involved in their studies. By prioritizing non-maleficence, they ensure that their methodologies include safeguards and that participants' welfare is a central focus throughout the research process.
• Discuss how the principle of non-maleficence relates to informed consent in anthropological research.
  • The principle of non-maleficence is intrinsically linked to informed consent as it requires researchers to provide participants with comprehensive information about potential risks associated with participation. This empowers individuals to make informed choices about whether they wish to take part in a study. By ensuring that participants are fully aware of what involvement entails, researchers uphold their ethical obligation to avoid causing harm.
• Evaluate the implications of failing to uphold non-maleficence in anthropological research on community relationships and future studies.
  • Failing to uphold non-maleficence can lead to significant negative implications for community relationships and future research endeavors. When researchers neglect this principle, they may cause harm or distress to communities, resulting in distrust towards academic inquiries. This breakdown in trust can hinder access to vital cultural knowledge and participation in future studies, ultimately impeding scientific progress and damaging reputations within academic circles.

Related terms

Beneficence: The ethical principle that involves taking actions to promote the well-being and positive outcomes for participants in research.

Informed Consent: A process through which research participants are fully informed about the study's purpose, risks, and benefits, allowing them to make voluntary decisions about their participation.

Ethical Review Board: A committee that reviews research proposals to ensure they comply with ethical standards, including the principles of non-maleficence and beneficence.