Research Ethics and Integrity: A Comprehensive Guide for Sport Researchers

Question 1

In sport research, which of these is an ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Getting informed consent from participants

Accepted Answer

Keeping participants' information private and confidential

Accepted Answer

Doing research with honesty and openness

Answer

Tricking people to take part in research

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental ethical principle in sport research?

Accepted Answer

Impartiality

Answer

Respect for Participants' Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 3

Which of these is NOT a core ethical principle for sports research?

Accepted Answer

Keeping personal opinions out of research

Answer

Respecting participants' choices and rights

Answer

Ensuring participant well-being and safety

Answer

Protecting participants' personal information

Question 4

Informed Consent: What is the primary purpose of obtaining informed consent in research?

Accepted Answer

To ensure participants are adequately informed and can make voluntary decisions about their involvement

Answer

To protect researchers from liability

Answer

To guarantee that all participants will benefit from the study

Answer

To obtain legal authorization for data collection

Question 5

Data Protection Regulations: What is a primary aim of data protection regulations like GDPR in the context of research?

Accepted Answer

To prevent unauthorized access to and misuse of research data

Answer

To facilitate data sharing among researchers

Answer

To ensure that research findings are disseminated widely

Answer

To promote transparency in research practices

Question 6

Ethical Issues in Sport Research: Which of the following is least likely to be considered an ethical issue in sport research?

Accepted Answer

Using research methods that are inappropriate for the research question

Answer

Physical or psychological harm to participants

Answer

Faking or fabricating data

Answer

Sharing research findings publicly without consent

Question 7

Belmont Report: Which of the following principles is NOT mentioned in the Belmont Report (1979) as a fundamental ethical principle in human subject research?

Accepted Answer

Utility

Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 8

Confidentiality in Research: What is the primary obligation of researchers regarding confidentiality in research?

Accepted Answer

To keep participants' information private and confidential

Answer

To disclose participants' data to authorities if required by law

Answer

To destroy all data after the study is completed

Answer

To obtain participants' consent before sharing their data

Question 9

Minimizing Ethical Risks in Research: Which strategy is most effective in minimizing ethical risks in research?

Accepted Answer

Conducting a comprehensive risk assessment and developing appropriate mitigation strategies

Answer

Relying solely on the researcher's ethical judgment

Answer

Obtaining approval from an ethical review committee

Answer

Providing basic training to researchers on research ethics

Question 10

Declaration of Helsinki: What is the primary focus of the Declaration of Helsinki (1964)?

Accepted Answer

Ethical guidelines for research involving human participants

Answer

Animal welfare in research

Answer

Environmental protection in research

Answer

Social justice in research

Question 11

Ethical Review Committees: What is the primary responsibility of ethical review committees (ERCs) in research?

Accepted Answer

To assess the ethical acceptability of research proposals

Answer

To ensure the validity and reliability of research findings

Answer

To provide funding for research projects

Answer

To disseminate research findings to the public

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a key principle of research ethics?

Accepted Answer

Convenience

Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Objectivity

Question 13

In sport research, which ethical principle is paramount for researchers to uphold?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from all participants

Answer

Prioritizing researchers' interests over participants' well-being

Answer

Researchers are not responsible for the consequences of their research

Answer

Deception is acceptable if it benefits participants

Question 14

Informed consent for research participation must include all of the following information **except**:

Accepted Answer

A guarantee of confidentiality

Answer

A statement of the potential risks and benefits of the research

Answer

A description of the procedures involved in the research

Answer

The participant's right to withdraw from the research at any time

Question 15

Which of the following is **not** a potential consequence of unethical research practices?

Accepted Answer

Benefits to society

Answer

Harm to participants

Answer

Loss of public trust in research

Answer

Invalid research findings

Question 16

Regarding deception in research, which of the following statements is **true**?

Accepted Answer

Deception can only be used when it is essential to achieve the research goals.

Answer

Deception is never justified in research.

Answer

Deception should be used whenever the benefits of the research outweigh the risks.

Answer

Deception is always a form of unethical behavior.

Question 17

What is NOT a primary responsibility of research ethics committees when reviewing sport research proposals?

Accepted Answer

Approving the use of deception in research

Answer

Ensuring participant rights and well-being

Answer

Assessing data collection risks and benefits

Answer

Monitoring research projects for ethical compliance

Question 18

In the context of sport research, under what circumstances, if any, can deception be considered ethically justifiable?

Accepted Answer

Deception is ethically justifiable if it is essential for the research and the potential benefits outweigh the risks to participants.

Answer

Deception is never ethically justifiable.

Answer

Deception is ethically justifiable if it directly benefits the participants.

Question 19

How can the power imbalance between researchers and participants in sport research impact informed consent?

Accepted Answer

It can increase pressure on participants to agree.

Answer

It can improve participants' comprehension of the study.

Answer

It can remove bias from the research.

Question 20

Which ethical principle requires that researchers obtain participants' voluntary agreement before conducting research?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Voluntary participation

Question 21

What is the primary purpose of data protection in research?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of research participants, including their personal information, by ensuring that data is managed responsibly and securely.

Answer

To prevent data manipulation and fabrication

Answer

To ensure the validity and reliability of research findings

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT considered an ethical research practice?

Accepted Answer

Coercing or pressuring participants into participating in research

Answer

Providing clear and understandable information about the research

Answer

Treating participants with respect and dignity

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality and anonymity of participants

Question 23

What are potential consequences of violating ethical guidelines in research?

Accepted Answer

Harm to participants, loss of public trust, and damage to the credibility of the research

Answer

Legal penalties only

Answer

Loss of funding for future research only

Question 24

What is the primary function of research ethics committees?

Accepted Answer

To review and evaluate research proposals, provide guidance on ethical issues, and monitor ongoing research to ensure adherence to ethical principles and guidelines.

Answer

To conduct research on ethical issues

Answer

To punish researchers who violate ethical guidelines

Question 25

Which of the following is the relevant professional code of ethics for sport researchers in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

British Psychological Society (BPS) Code of Ethics and Conduct

Answer

Code of Ethics for Research in the Social Sciences

Answer

World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki

Question 26

When is it considered ethically acceptable to use deception in research?

Accepted Answer

When there is no viable alternative, the potential benefits significantly outweigh the risks to participants, and comprehensive measures are taken to minimize harm and protect participants' rights.

Answer

Deception is acceptable if it is necessary to obtain valid results

Answer

Deception is never justified in research

Question 27

Why is it essential to consider cultural sensitivity in research?

Accepted Answer

To avoid cultural biases, ensure inclusivity, and demonstrate respect for diverse cultural perspectives and values, thereby enhancing the validity and relevance of research findings.

Answer

To comply with legal requirements only

Answer

To protect researchers from cultural misunderstandings