Consider the ethics of the following research scenario:
A researcher wants to understand the relationship between horror movies and memory in teenagers. The researchers had teens ages 14 through 17 view various types of horror movies over the course of six hours (roughly 3 movies). Prior to viewing, the teens were given visual and auditory memory tasks. After viewing, they were readministered tests of visual and auditory memory. The researchers found that after six hours of viewing horror films, visual memory declined but auditory memory remained the same.
Imagine you are a member of the IRB reviewing this study before it is conducted. What issues might it have with the research?
What are the risks to the participants in the study?
Can you think of any other way that this study could be designed to reduce the risks to the participants?
Full Answer Section
- Misrepresentation: Does the consent adequately inform participants about the potential decline in visual memory? This could be perceived as a negative outcome, and participants might withdraw if fully informed.
Risks to Participants:
- Psychological distress: Horror movies can be emotionally disturbing, especially for teenagers. Watching them for six hours straight could trigger anxiety, fear, nightmares, or sleep disturbances. The study should have a mechanism to monitor and address these potential issues, offering support or withdrawal options if needed.
- Long-term effects: The study doesn't address the potential for longer-term psychological effects, such as increased vulnerability to stress or phobias. A follow-up assessment beyond the immediate post-viewing period is crucial.
Alternative Designs:
- Shorter exposure: Reducing the movie duration or viewing intervals could lessen the intensity and potential harm.
- Content selection: Carefully selecting movies of varying degrees of intensity and allowing participants to choose which ones they feel comfortable watching could minimize distress.
- Control group: Including a control group that watches non-horror movies or engages in another activity for the same duration can provide a baseline for comparison and isolate the specific effects of horror movies.
- Pre-screening: Assessing participants for pre-existing mental health conditions or susceptibility to anxiety could help exclude those at higher risk of adverse reactions.
Additional Concerns:
- Generalizability: Can the findings from a relatively small group of teenagers be generalized to a larger population?
- Potential for exploitation: Are the teenagers being offered any incentives for participation, and could this pressure them into participating regardless of their comfort level?
- Data privacy: How will the collected data be stored and used? Are there safeguards to protect participants' privacy and anonymize their responses?
Overall, while the study's objective to understand the link between horror movies and memory is valid, the current design raises significant ethical concerns regarding informed consent, participant well-being, and potential exploitation. Implementing the suggested design improvements and addressing the concerns mentioned can significantly reduce risks and ensure a more ethical and responsible research practice.