Experiments are necessary to prove that theoretical knowledge corresponds with practical effects. However, to perform studies that require human subjects, a set of rules is essential to guarantee the safety of the participants. The horrifying history of the Holocaust showed that a lack of ethics leads to harmful consequences, which may affect entire demographics (Khan Academy, 2017). Therefore, the most significant historical events that have influenced how scientists conduct experiments are the Nuremberg trial and the National Research Act of 1974.
The Nuremberg trial and the 1974 Act created a basis for all ethical scientific experiments. The first one resulted in the Nuremberg Code, which defined “voluntary consent” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2021). This term remains central to any ethics code, compelling scientists to thoroughly describe planned manipulations and their potential effects before administering the intervention.
Although the idea had been known previously, the trial highlighted its importance and necessity. This set of ground rules was heavily enhanced by the National Research Act, which established Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) as a guide for all scientific works (Long, 2022). The most surprising yet essential part of the act was the call for the equity of subject selection, illustrated by the lack of female participants in studies whose presence was omitted without a substantial reason. As a result, these events led to the development of a scientific moral code perceived as common sense by professional researchers.
In conclusion, ethics are crucial to modern scientific work, as they ensure the safety and informed consent of the subject. The videos taught me to be more careful about the research designs in my studies and the articles I read. The equity of samples will be a factor that I value as essential to a good source of information. In addition, I will notice if the IRB approves the report and trust these materials more.
References
Khan Academy. (2017). The holocaust | world history | Khan Academy. YouTube.
Long, J. (2022). Ethical considerations in research.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Part 1 – evolving concern: Protection for human subjects. YouTube.