Ethics in Science: Explore the Ethical Implications of Scientific Advancements

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a key concept covered in the unit?

Accepted Answer

The philosophy of Karl Popper

Answer

The precautionary principle

Answer

Informed consent in scientific research

Answer

The role of ethics committees in science

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of an ethics committee in the context of science?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that scientific research is conducted ethically

Answer

To promote scientific innovation and progress

Answer

To censor dissenting scientific views

Answer

To provide legal protection to researchers

Question 3

In scientific research, which ethical principle is crucial to ensure that individuals participate willingly and are fully informed about the potential risks and benefits?

Accepted Answer

Scientists should obtain informed consent from research participants.

Answer

Scientists should prioritize knowledge acquisition over potential risks.

Answer

Scientists bear no ethical responsibility for their research outcomes.

Question 4

Which ethical principle emphasizes the obligation of scientists to prioritize the well-being and interests of individuals participating in their research?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 5

Scientists have a primary ethical responsibility to:

Accepted Answer

Fully disclose and mitigate potential risks associated with their research

Answer

Prioritize scientific progress above all else

Answer

Secure funding for their research

Answer

Avoid controversial or sensitive research topics

Question 6

Society can effectively balance the potential benefits and risks of scientific advancements through:

Accepted Answer

Informed decision-making processes that involve public engagement and discourse

Answer

Ignoring potential risks and focusing only on potential benefits

Answer

Relying solely on advice from scientific experts

Answer

Implementing strict regulations to limit scientific research

Question 7

Which ethical principle emphasizes the right of individuals to make autonomous decisions regarding their own medical treatment?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 8

Ethical guidelines are essential in scientific research because they:

Accepted Answer

Establish clear boundaries, promote responsible conduct, and protect participants

Answer

Guarantee ethical outcomes in all research

Answer

Restrict scientific innovation and progress

Answer

Increase the complexity of the research process

Question 9

How do ethical considerations influence the design of scientific experiments?

Accepted Answer

By ensuring the well-being of participants, minimizing risks, and合理use of resources

Answer

By guaranteeing the validity and reliability of the results

Answer

By increasing the cost of conducting the research

Answer

By simplifying the research process and reducing time

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a key ethical principle in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing personal gain

Answer

Ensuring social justice

Answer

Preventing harm

Answer

Respecting patient autonomy

Question 11

According to the 'precautionary principle', when considering scientific advancements with potentially significant risks, we should:

Accepted Answer

Take preventive measures even in the absence of definitive evidence of harm

Answer

Ignore the potential risks and proceed with the development

Answer

Proceed with caution and conduct further research

Question 12

Which of the following is a potential benefit of artificial intelligence (AI)?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced healthcare outcomes

Answer

Increased unemployment

Answer

Bias and discrimination

Answer

Loss of privacy

Question 13

The ethical responsibility of scientists includes:

Accepted Answer

Considering the societal implications of their research

Answer

Only conducting research that is guaranteed to be beneficial

Answer

Pursuing scientific knowledge without regard to ethical concerns

Question 14

Which of the following is not a fundamental ethical principle in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Financial gain for researchers

Answer

Respect for human rights

Answer

Transparency in reporting results

Answer

Integrity in research conduct

Question 15

The ethical dilemma posed by human cloning involves:

Accepted Answer

Concerns about potential exploitation and genetic manipulation

Answer

Violation of religious beliefs

Answer

Environmental degradation

Answer

Increased risk of infectious diseases

Question 16

The role of the public in addressing the ethical implications of science includes:

Accepted Answer

Engaging in discussions and informed decision-making

Answer

Ignoring the ethical implications of scientific advancements

Answer

Solely relying on scientists to make ethical judgments

Answer

Prohibiting certain scientific research areas

Question 17

Which of the following is a potential ethical consequence of scientific advancements without ethical considerations?

Accepted Answer

Negative impact on human subjects, society, or the environment

Answer

Accelerated scientific progress

Answer

Increased public trust in science

Answer

Improved economic outcomes

Question 18

The ethical principle of beneficence requires scientists to:

Accepted Answer

Act in the best interests of those affected by their research

Answer

Avoid any potential harm

Answer

Prioritize scientific knowledge above all else

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the ethical responsibility of scientists?

Accepted Answer

To anticipate and mitigate the potential risks of scientific advancements while considering the potential benefits to society.

Answer

To prioritize the commercialization of scientific breakthroughs while downplaying potential risks

Answer

To blindly pursue scientific progress, regardless of the consequences.

Question 20

Genetic engineering raises ethical concerns because it:

Accepted Answer

Has the potential to alter human traits, introduce unintended consequences, and impact biodiversity.

Answer

Is always beneficial and has no potential risks.

Answer

Only affects plants and animals, not humans.

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a potential downside of artificial intelligence (AI)?

Accepted Answer

Increased employment opportunities and convenience in daily life.

Answer

Potential job displacement and economic inequality.

Answer

Enhanced surveillance and privacy concerns.

Answer

Bias and algorithmic discrimination.

Question 22

The concept of 'informed consent' in scientific research refers to:

Accepted Answer

Participants being fully informed about the purpose, risks, and potential benefits of the research, and giving their voluntary agreement to participate.

Answer

Participants being compensated financially for their participation.

Question 23

Which ethical principle requires that the benefits of scientific advancements should be distributed fairly across society?

Accepted Answer

Distributive justice.

Answer

Non-maleficence.

Answer

Autonomy.

Answer

Beneficence.

Question 24

The ethical dilemma posed by 'dual-use research' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Research that has the potential to be used for both beneficial and harmful purposes, raising concerns about potential misuse.

Answer

Research that is conducted without the proper ethical approval.

Answer

Research that is funded by multiple sources with conflicting interests.

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can hinder the ethical conduct of scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Ethical training provided to researchers and strong institutional support.

Answer

Bias and conflicts of interest.

Answer

Lack of public understanding of science.

Answer

Pressure to publish or secure funding.

Question 26

The ethical principle of 'beneficence' requires that:

Accepted Answer

Researchers should strive to maximize the benefits and minimize the potential harms of their research.

Answer

Researchers should not be held accountable for the consequences of their research.

Answer

Researchers should always prioritize their own interests above the interests of their participants.

Question 27

The concept of 'scientific integrity' encompasses:

Accepted Answer

Honesty, transparency, and accountability in the practice of science, including responsible research conduct, data integrity, and ethical decision-making.

Answer

The ability to obtain funding for scientific research.

Answer

The pursuit of scientific knowledge without regard for ethical considerations.