General Issues for Discussion in Research on Vulnerable Populations
- Whom are the people or groups selected for research and why?
- Are differences in selection related to risks?
- What characteristics or stereotypes influence choice of group/individuals for research/experimentation?
- What is the basis and/or context of vulnerability for a population?
- Will those selected benefit or will unrelated others?
- What are the special concerns about informed consent in individuals who are poor, powerless, and/or stigmatized in a society?
- Are groups excluded from research because of risks perceived by researchers that are specific to them? Is this bias?
- Who can be trusted to advise the vulnerable on participation for research?
- How should concerns of people who fear being research subjects be addressed?
Cite this page:
"General Issues for Discussion in Research on Vulnerable Populations"
Online Ethics Center for Engineering
9/11/2006 3:30:18 PM
National Academy of Engineering
Accessed: Friday, December 05, 2008
<www.onlineethics.org/CMS/research/modindex/resethpages/vdisc.aspx>