Science and Ethics: Exploring Ethical Dilemmas in Scientific Advancements

Question 1

When creating ethical guidelines for artificial intelligence, what is a primary benefit of involving the public?

Accepted Answer

Increased transparency

Answer

Lower development costs

Answer

Faster technological progress

Question 2

Gene editing has the potential to enhance agriculture, but it also poses risks. Which of these is a potential risk associated with gene editing in agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Unintended transfer of genetically modified traits to wild populations

Answer

Increased food production

Answer

Improved nutritional value of crops

Answer

Reduced pesticide use

Question 3

How do societal attitudes and cultural norms influence the ethical evaluation and approval of animal research protocols?

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms and societal attitudes significantly impact the ethical evaluation and approval process of animal research protocols.

Answer

Cultural norms are the only factor that determines ethical standards in animal research.

Answer

Societal attitudes have no impact on the ethical evaluation of animal research.

Answer

Ethics committees that review animal research proposals are completely impartial and unaffected by societal or cultural influences.

Question 4

When assessing the ethical implications of AI systems used in decision-making, which factor is of primary importance?

Accepted Answer

Potential for bias in decision-making

Answer

Accuracy of the system

Answer

Transparency in the decision-making process

Answer

Protection of privacy and data

Question 5

Which of the following is an ethical principle **not** commonly used in decision-making in science and society?

Accepted Answer

Aesthetics

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 6

Which of the following is **not** a benefit of engaging in ethical decision-making in science and society?

Accepted Answer

Suppressing innovation and hindering scientific advancement

Answer

Ensuring responsible and trustworthy use of scientific advancements

Answer

Promoting public trust and confidence in science and its applications

Answer

Guiding the development of fair and equitable policies that balance scientific progress with societal values

Question 7

Should gene editing be used to enhance desirable traits in humans? Discuss the ethical implications, considering both the potential benefits and risks.

Accepted Answer

Gene editing for trait enhancement should be carefully considered, guided by ethical principles for responsible use.

Answer

Gene editing for trait enhancement is unethical and should be prohibited.

Answer

Gene editing should be used freely to eliminate undesirable traits and enhance human abilities.

Question 8

Which ethical principle prioritizes preventing harm to research participants?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 9

The Belmont Report, an influential document in research ethics, emphasizes the principle of:

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Justice

Answer

Minimizing risks to participants

Question 10

Which step is NOT typically included in the ethical review process for scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Publishing the research findings

Answer

Submission of a research proposal

Answer

Review by an independent ethics committee

Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants

Question 11

'Moral imagination' in scientific ethics enables:

Accepted Answer

Foreseeing potential consequences and impacts of research

Answer

Prioritizing personal beliefs over ethical guidelines

Answer

Prioritizing scientific progress above all else

Answer

Ignoring the ethical implications of research

Question 12

In science and ethics, 'reflective practice' means:

Accepted Answer

Critically examining one's own ethical assumptions and biases

Answer

Unquestioningly adhering to ethical guidelines

Answer

Prioritizing scientific advancement over ethical considerations

Answer

Ignoring the potential ethical implications of research

Question 13

Which of the following ethical principles is NOT considered in scientific research involving animals?

Accepted Answer

Animal autonomy

Answer

Respect for the dignity of life

Answer

Minimal harm

Answer

Public benefit

Question 14

In scientific research, 'equipoise' refers to:

Accepted Answer

A genuine state of uncertainty about the effectiveness of different treatments

Answer

A guarantee that all participants in a trial will receive the best possible treatment

Answer

The ethical obligation to minimize harm to participants

Answer

The need for researchers to remain impartial throughout the study

Question 15

A key role of ethical review boards (ERBs) in scientific research is to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure ethical conduct and protect participants' well-being

Answer

Determine the validity of research designs

Answer

Promote scientific progress and innovation

Answer

Provide financial support for research

Question 16

Which of the following ethical principles is central to scientific research, ensuring individuals are treated with respect and their autonomy is recognized?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 17

In scientific research, what does 'informed consent' primarily refer to?

Accepted Answer

Participants being thoroughly informed about a study's risks, benefits, and their right to withdraw before agreeing to participate

Answer

Researchers obtaining permission from a participant's family or legal guardian for their involvement in the study

Answer

Participants agreeing to donate their organs or tissues for research purposes

Answer

Researchers ensuring that participants are not exploited or harmed during the study

Question 18

Ethical frameworks in science and society primarily serve which purpose?

Accepted Answer

Providing guidance on acceptable and unacceptable practices within the scientific community

Answer

Ensuring that scientific advancements are always used for benevolent purposes

Answer

Preventing scientists from making ethical mistakes

Answer

Eliminating all ethical dilemmas in scientific research

Question 19

In the context of gene editing, what does the acronym CRISPR primarily stand for?

Accepted Answer

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats

Answer

Central Regulatory Information for Scientific Research

Answer

Genetically Modified Crops for Sustainable Regions

Answer

Comprehensive Registry of Scientific Procedures

Question 20

In the context of conducting animal research, what is the ethical principle that requires the minimization of animal suffering?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 21

When conducting research involving human participants, the ethical principle of autonomy requires:

Accepted Answer

Respecting participants' right to make informed decisions

Answer

Beneficence: Maximizing benefits while minimizing harm

Answer

Justice: Ensuring fair distribution of benefits and risks

Answer

Non-maleficence: Avoiding harm to participants

Question 22

Which ethical principle prioritizes the well-being and safety of research participants?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 23

The main purpose of the precautionary principle in science is:

Accepted Answer

To prevent potential harm even when scientific evidence is inconclusive

Answer

To promote innovation and progress without unnecessary restrictions

Answer

To strike a balance between scientific advancement, safety, and societal values

Answer

To ensure equal distribution of benefits from technological advancements

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a core ethical value that should guide scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Selfishness, prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of others

Answer

Honesty, upholding truthfulness and avoiding deception

Answer

Integrity, maintaining consistency between actions and ethical principles

Answer

Responsibility, acknowledging the impact of research and its ethical implications

Question 25

The ethical principle of autonomy emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Respecting individuals' rights to make choices and decisions about their lives

Answer

Maximizing benefits and minimizing risks in research

Answer

Avoiding harm to others, ensuring their well-being

Answer

Ensuring fair and equitable treatment of all individuals

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT an ethical principle commonly considered in scientific decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Efficiency

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 27

The ethical principle of autonomy in scientific research refers to:

Accepted Answer

Individuals' right to make informed decisions about their own participation in research.

Answer

Researchers' responsibility to protect participants from physical and psychological harm.

Answer

The obligation to use scientific knowledge responsibly for the benefit of society.

Answer

The need to balance individual rights with the interests of the broader community.

Question 28

How does public engagement contribute to the development of ethical frameworks for emerging technologies?

Accepted Answer

It ensures diverse perspectives are considered.

Accepted Answer

It helps identify and address potential ethical concerns.

Answer

It prevents the development of ethical frameworks.

Answer

It guarantees ethical frameworks will be universally accepted.

Question 29

In the criminal justice system, a key ethical concern in employing AI for decision-making is:

Accepted Answer

Fairness

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Efficiency

Question 30

Which ethical theory emphasizes maximizing overall happiness or well-being?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 31

What is the main objective of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics?

Accepted Answer

To provide independent advice on ethical issues in science and medicine

Answer

To conduct research on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence

Answer

To regulate the use of gene editing technologies

Question 32

When conducting animal research, which ethical consideration should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Animal welfare

Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Answer

Public opinion

Answer

Scientific validity

Question 33

What is the primary purpose of obtaining a consent form in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

To provide participants with sufficient information and allow them to make informed decisions about their involvement

Answer

To protect researchers from legal liability

Answer

To guarantee positive research outcomes

Question 34

Identify an example of a professional code of ethics.

Accepted Answer

The Hippocratic Oath for medical doctors

Answer

The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights

Answer

The Ten Commandments

Answer

The Constitution of the United States

Question 35

What was the primary aim of the Belmont Report?

Accepted Answer

To establish ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects

Answer

To provide funding mechanisms for scientific research

Answer

To regulate the use of animals in research

Question 36

Why are ethical considerations crucial in the field of science?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the responsible application of scientific knowledge and technology for societal benefit

Answer

To avoid legal consequences

Answer

To guarantee the success and accuracy of scientific research

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a key ethical consideration in the use of animals in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Cost-effectiveness: Considering the financial implications of animal research

Answer

Animal welfare: Ensuring the well-being and minimizing pain and distress to animals used in experiments

Answer

替代性方法的可用性: Exploring and using alternative methods and technologies to minimize the need for animal testing

Answer

Scientific validity: Assessing the reliability and accuracy of research results obtained using animal models

Question 38

What is the main purpose of engaging the public in scientific decision-making?

Accepted Answer

To foster transparency, accountability, and informed choices, ensuring that scientific advancements align with societal values and priorities

Answer

To speed up scientific progress by gathering public support and resources

Answer

To secure funding for scientific projects based on public opinion

Question 39

Which of the following is an advantage of utilizing ethical frameworks in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Providing guidance and systematic approaches for evaluating complex ethical issues and making well-informed decisions

Answer

Guaranteeing complete objectivity and bias elimination in scientific research

Answer

Resolving all ethical dilemmas and eliminating uncertainty in scientific practice

Question 40

What is the primary purpose of the Belmont Report?

Accepted Answer

To establish ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects, protecting their rights and welfare

Answer

To regulate gene editing technologies and ensure their responsible use

Answer

To set standards for animal care and treatment in scientific research

Answer

To promote public engagement and science communication activities

Question 41

What is the role of professional organizations in upholding ethical standards in science?

Accepted Answer

Developing codes of conduct, providing ethical guidance, and holding members accountable for ethical behavior

Answer

Approving and funding scientific research projects

Answer

Performing scientific research and generating new knowledge

Question 42

What is the advantage of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing ethical issues in science?

Accepted Answer

Bringing together diverse perspectives, expertise, and values from different disciplines, fostering comprehensive and nuanced ethical analysis

Answer

Avoiding ethical controversies by reaching a consensus among experts

Answer

Reducing the workload and time required for ethical decision-making

Question 43

What is a major ethical concern regarding the use of animals in research?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring animal welfare and minimizing suffering

Answer

Data accuracy

Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Question 44

Which step is NOT included in the ethical decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

Disregard the consequences

Answer

Evaluate the options

Answer

Make a decision

Answer

Identify the ethical issue

Question 45

What is the purpose of informed consent in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that participants fully understand and voluntarily agree to take part

Answer

To speed up the research process

Answer

To protect researchers from legal liability

Question 46

Which of the following is an advantage of scientific advancements?

Accepted Answer

Improved healthcare and enhanced quality of life

Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Increased environmental pollution

Answer

Job losses

Question 47

What is a potential social impact of gene editing?

Accepted Answer

Questions about equity and access

Answer

Increased food production

Answer

Improved weather forecasting

Answer

Development of new energy sources

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of scientists?

Accepted Answer

Overlooking the ethical implications of their research

Answer

Mentoring future scientists

Answer

Accurately communicating findings

Answer

Conducting research with integrity

Question 49

Which ethical principle emphasizes preventing harm to all living beings?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Question 50

The 'precautionary principle' in gene editing suggests that we should:

Accepted Answer

Proceed cautiously with potential risks, taking preventative measures.

Answer

Prioritize potential benefits over risks, even if they are unknown.

Answer

Seek agreement from everyone involved before proceeding.

Question 51

What is a potential benefit of using animals in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Gaining insights into human biology and disease processes.

Answer

Eliminating the need for human testing in all situations.

Answer

Guaranteeing successful human trials.

Question 52

According to the Belmont Report, 'respect for persons' in research means:

Accepted Answer

Individuals have the right to informed consent and protection from exploitation.

Answer

Making choices without considering others.

Answer

Using scientific advancements for personal advantage.

Answer

Receiving benefits without any risks.

Question 53

In artificial intelligence (AI), 'algorithmic bias' refers to:

Accepted Answer

AI systems making biased decisions based on flawed data or algorithms.

Answer

AI potentially replacing human jobs.

Answer

Lack of transparency in how AI systems make decisions.

Question 54

Which ethical theory focuses on maximizing overall happiness and benefit to society?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Kantian ethics

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Deontology

Question 55

The primary role of an ethics committee in scientific research is to:

Accepted Answer

Review and approve research proposals to ensure ethical compliance.

Answer

Enforce ethical rules within research settings.

Answer

Conduct research on ethical issues.