Studying Racial Bias

By Jane Marantz Connor

Abstract

Students evaluate a research proposal to determine if it is consistent with ethical principles and federal guidelines for conducting research with human subjects. The case can be taught either as a discussion case or using role-playing. This case was developed to be used in a seminar on prejudice and racism. It could also be used in a general diversity course, research methods course, or social psychology course.

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Date Posted

01/28/2000

Overview

Objectives

Learn about the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in protecting the welfare of research participants.
Illustrate the major areas of concern that IRBs address in their reviews of proposed research: informed consent, risks, and benefits.
Discover the differences in perspectives between those with and without power in society and the subjectivity of the judgments that the IRB must make.
Clarify the difference between individual racism and institutional racism.
Develop listening skills and analytical skills as well as an appreciation for different values and perspectives.
Illustrate how research can be used both to increase our understanding of human behavior and make societal changes to address issues of social justice.

Keywords

Racial bias; racism; research methods; human subject; informed consent; beneficence; confidentiality; deception; Institutional Review Board; IRB; experimental design

Subject Headings

Psychology

Science (General)

Sociology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division, Graduate

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics, Legal issues, Scientific method, Social issues, Social justice issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Analysis (Issues), Discussion, Role-Play

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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