990 Final Exam - Nguyen

Final Exam – HSES 990
Please limit your answers to 1 page each question (12 pt font – double
spaced).
You will get 2 points if you include your last name in the saved title of the
document (PDF or DOC) that you send to me – (i.e. saved as: 990 final
exam - Gallagher).
Each question is worth up to 12 points (12 x 4 + 2 = 50).

1) Describe the philosophical and ethical basis of social responsibility in
science
The philosophical and ethical basis of social responsibility in science stems from
the inherent duty of scientists to contribute positively to society, ensuring that
their research and its applications promote the public good and minimize harm.
This responsibility is deeply rooted in the principles of beneficence, non-
maleficence, and justice, which dictate that researchers should aim to benefit
society, avoid harm, and distribute the benefits and burdens of research fairly.
Scientific research has profound impacts on society, influencing public policy,
economic development, health standards, and environmental sustainability.
Therefore, scientists must consider the broader implications of their work, striving
for transparency, accountability, and ethical integrity. This includes conducting
research that is ethically sound, respecting participants' rights and well-being,
and being vigilant against conflicts of interest that might bias research outcomes.
Moreover, social responsibility in science calls for engagement with the public
and other stakeholders to foster trust and mutual understanding. Scientists
should communicate their findings clearly and accurately, involve the community
in research processes where appropriate, and consider societal needs and
values in setting research agendas. This ethical framework is vital in guiding
scientists to act responsibly, ensuring their work contributes to a better future.

2) As a younger scientist starting out on your career, what are some “best
practices” that you can employ to be a good mentor.
Being a good mentor as a young scientist involves several best practices that
foster growth, confidence, and success in mentees. Firstly, it is crucial to
establish clear and open communication. This means setting expectations early
regarding goals, responsibilities, and feedback. Encouraging regular meetings
and maintaining an open-door policy can help in building a supportive and
transparent mentoring relationship.
Secondly, effective mentors actively engage in the professional development of
their mentees. This could include providing opportunities for networking, offering
guidance on career paths, and supporting skills development through workshops
or conferences. Young mentors should also strive to model ethical behavior and
scientific rigor, demonstrating commitment to high standards in research and
professional conduct.
Additionally, a good mentor recognizes the value of personalized mentoring
approaches that respect individual differences in career aspirations, cultural
backgrounds, and learning styles. This might mean adapting advice, support
mechanisms, and opportunities to fit the unique needs and goals of each
mentee.
Lastly, continuous learning and self-reflection are essential for a young mentor.
Seeking feedback from mentees and other experienced mentors can help in
improving mentoring skills and understanding the evolving needs of early-career
scientists.
3) How can researchers who sit on committees that advise on research
directions (for example - grant committees), separate their own interests
from the best interests of the field they are helping shape?
Researchers serving on advisory committees such as grant committees can
maintain objectivity and prioritize the field's best interests by adhering to several
key practices. First, transparency about potential conflicts of interest is essential.
Researchers should disclose any personal, financial, or professional interests
that might influence their judgment. In cases of significant conflict, recusing
oneself from specific discussions or decisions is necessary.
Implementing structured decision-making processes can also help in mitigating
bias. This includes using predefined criteria for evaluating proposals and
ensuring that decisions are based on the merit and relevance of the research
rather than personal relationships or other extraneous factors.
Moreover, promoting diversity in committee composition can reduce the
likelihood of collective bias and ensure a broad range of perspectives in decision-
making. This includes diversity in expertise, institutional affiliation, geography,
and demographic characteristics.

4) What should subjects know about proposed research and their protection
before they enroll as subjects?
Before enrolling in a study, subjects should be fully informed about the research
purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and their rights. This is accomplished
through the informed consent process, which must provide potential participants
with all the information necessary to make an educated decision about their
involvement.
Subjects should understand the purpose of the research, what participation
entails, any risks or discomforts involved, and the potential benefits the research
offers to them or society. They should also be informed about their rights to
withdraw from the study at any time without penalty, how their confidentiality will
be protected, and how the data will be used.
Moreover, it is essential to communicate any compensation or incentives and
whom to contact for questions or concerns during the study. Ensuring subjects
understand these elements helps protect their welfare and upholds ethical
standards in conducting human subjects’ research.

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Final Exam – HSES 990

Each question is worth up to 12 points (12 x 4 + 2 = 50).

the inherent duty of scientists to contribute positively to society, ensuring that

This responsibility is deeply rooted in the principles of beneficence, non-

Scientific research has profound impacts on society, influencing public policy,

economic development, health standards, and environmental sustainability.

for transparency, accountability, and ethical integrity. This includes conducting

research that is ethically sound, respecting participants' rights and well-being,

and other stakeholders to foster trust and mutual understanding. Scientists

in research processes where appropriate, and consider societal needs and

values in setting research agendas. This ethical framework is vital in guiding

scientists to act responsibly, ensuring their work contributes to a better future.

practices” that you can employ to be a good mentor.

foster growth, confidence, and success in mentees. Firstly, it is crucial to

regarding goals, responsibilities, and feedback. Encouraging regular meetings

and maintaining an open-door policy can help in building a supportive and

transparent mentoring relationship.

Secondly, effective mentors actively engage in the professional development of

guidance on career paths, and supporting skills development through workshops

scientific rigor, demonstrating commitment to high standards in research and

Additionally, a good mentor recognizes the value of personalized mentoring

approaches that respect individual differences in career aspirations, cultural

improving mentoring skills and understanding the evolving needs of early-career

directions (for example - grant committees), separate their own interests

Researchers serving on advisory committees such as grant committees can

key practices. First, transparency about potential conflicts of interest is essential.

Researchers should disclose any personal, financial, or professional interests

that might influence their judgment. In cases of significant conflict, recusing

oneself from specific discussions or decisions is necessary.

Implementing structured decision-making processes can also help in mitigating

rather than personal relationships or other extraneous factors.

Moreover, promoting diversity in committee composition can reduce the

likelihood of collective bias and ensure a broad range of perspectives in decision-

making. This includes diversity in expertise, institutional affiliation, geography,

and demographic characteristics.

before they enroll as subjects?

purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and their rights. This is accomplished

Subjects should understand the purpose of the research, what participation

be protected, and how the data will be used.

Moreover, it is essential to communicate any compensation or incentives and

standards in conducting human subjects’ research.

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