Coercion

Definition

Coercion is the practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats. In the context of research ethics, it raises serious concerns about the voluntary nature of participation, which is a foundational principle in ethical research practices. Coercion can undermine informed consent and lead to exploitation, particularly in vulnerable populations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coercion can occur in various forms, including economic pressure, physical threats, or undue influence from authority figures.
2. Ethical guidelines emphasize that coercion must be avoided to ensure that participants can freely decide whether to take part in research studies.
3. Institutional review boards assess research proposals to identify potential coercion and require modifications to protect participant autonomy.
4. Coercion is particularly problematic when it involves vulnerable groups who may feel compelled to participate due to their circumstances.
5. Understanding the distinction between persuasion and coercion is crucial for maintaining ethical standards in public health research.

Review Questions

• What are some common forms of coercion that can occur in research settings, and how can they impact informed consent?
  • Common forms of coercion include financial pressure, where participants may feel they need to participate due to economic hardship, or psychological pressure from researchers who hold authority. These forms of coercion can significantly impact informed consent because they compromise the participant's ability to make a truly voluntary decision. When participants feel they have no real choice, the validity of their consent is undermined, violating ethical principles.
• How do institutional review boards address the issue of coercion in research studies?
  • Institutional review boards play a critical role in addressing coercion by thoroughly reviewing research proposals before approval. They evaluate whether adequate measures are in place to prevent coercive practices and ensure that informed consent is genuinely voluntary. If a study poses risks of coercion, the board may require changes or additional safeguards to protect participants' rights and autonomy, thus promoting ethical conduct in research.
• Critically analyze the implications of coercion for vulnerable populations involved in public health research.
  • Coercion poses significant risks for vulnerable populations, such as low-income individuals or those with limited access to healthcare. These groups may be more susceptible to exploitation if they perceive participation as their only option for receiving benefits or assistance. Analyzing these implications reveals a need for robust ethical oversight and protections, ensuring that such populations are not manipulated into participation. Ultimately, safeguarding against coercion not only protects individual rights but also upholds the integrity of public health research as a whole.

Related terms

Informed Consent: A process through which participants are fully informed about the research and voluntarily agree to participate without any pressure.

Exploitation: The act of using someone unfairly for one's own advantage, often seen in contexts where vulnerable populations are involved in research.

Ethical Oversight: The review process conducted by institutional review boards to ensure that research meets ethical standards and protects participants from harm.