Ethical Considerations
Throughout this course, you will have explored the importance of research, the impact of research, and the different types of research. During our final week, you will explore the importance of ethical considerations in research.
In this Discussion, you will focus on a specific study to explore ethics in research and consider the importance of the ethics pledge.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
To prepare:
- Read and view the Learning Resources, focusing specifically on the Tuskegee study resources.
- Read the ethics pledge.
By Day 3 of Week 11
Post a response including the following:
- What are the characteristics of the research study (Tzeng & Yin, 2017), the quality improvement study (Khoja & Moosa, 2023), and the DNP project (Bangura, 2024) in terms of generalizability, sampling, and the nature of ethical protections?
- Compare and contrast ethical considerations in research to ethics requirements for QI and/or for a DNP project.
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
This discussion explores ethical considerations in different types of scholarly work—research studies, quality improvement (QI) projects, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) projects—with special attention to the Tuskegee Study and the ethics pledge. Follow the steps below to write a focused and informed post.
✅ Step 1: Understand the Three Sources
Carefully review the assigned studies:
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Research Study – Tzeng & Yin (2017)
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Purpose: Research to generate generalizable knowledge
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Includes formal research methods, larger sampling, and likely IRB (Institutional Review Board) review
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Quality Improvement Study – Khoja & Moosa (2023)
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Purpose: Improve internal processes in a specific setting
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May not aim to generalize beyond the local context
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Often does not require full IRB approval, but must still follow ethical guidelines
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DNP Project – Bangura (2024)
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Purpose: Apply evidence-based practice in a clinical setting
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Falls between QI and research in scope
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Usually reviewed by a project committee or ethics board at the university/organization level
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✅ Step 2: Summarize Ethical Characteristics of Each
Create a short paragraph or bulleted section explaining:
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Generalizability: Is the knowledge applicable beyond the study setting?
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Sampling: Who was studied and how were they selected?
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Ethical protections: What steps were taken to ensure participant safety and rights?
Example:
Tzeng & Yin (2017) used a randomized control design, aiming for generalizable outcomes. Their study involved voluntary participants and followed strict ethical oversight. In contrast, Khoja & Moosa’s (2023) QI study focused on a single healthcare system with a convenience sample, prioritizing improved internal procedures. Bangura’s (2024) DNP project involved implementing best practices in a nursing unit, requiring participant consent and ethical review through her institution but not full IRB approval.
✅ Step 3: Compare Ethical Considerations
Discuss how ethical standards differ between:
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Formal research
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Quality Improvement
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DNP projects
Consider:
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IRB review requirements
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Informed consent
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Risk/benefit analysis
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Data confidentiality
Example:
Unlike traditional research, QI studies and DNP projects may not require formal IRB approval, especially when no additional risk is introduced to participants. However, all still demand respect for privacy, informed consent when appropriate, and ethical responsibility to do no harm.
✅ Step 4: Mention the Ethics Pledge
Reference how the ethics pledge (assigned reading) reinforces:
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Integrity
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Respect
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Responsibility
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Transparency in all forms of scholarly work
✅ Step 5: Write Your Final Post (150+ Words)
Organize your post as follows:
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Introduction: Briefly explain the purpose of your post.
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Comparison of Studies: Describe each study’s characteristics.
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Ethical Comparison: Highlight differences and similarities in ethical approaches.
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Reflection: Connect your insights to the ethics pledge or your own ethical responsibilities as a nurse or student.
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Conclusion: Summarize why ethics matter in all forms of scholarly and clinical work.
By following this structure, your post will clearly demonstrate your understanding of ethics in research, QI, and DNP projects. Are you ready to start drafting your comparison of the three studies?
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