NCJ Number
121888
Date Published
1987
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This paper outlines general and specific ethical principles and concerns in sex and aggression research, describes the ethical precautions used in the sex and aggression research of the LaMarsh Research Program, and discusses past experience with ethics at the University of Manitoba (Canada).
Abstract
Ethical principles used in the LaMarsh Research Program on sex and aggression pertain to materials used, voluntary participation, deception and debriefing, and monitoring. Since there may be some concern about the nature of the sexual materials used in the research, the LaMarsh program uses sexual depictions (both rape depictions and consenting sex depictions) adapted from those available to subjects in varied mass media outlets (e.g., "Playboy" and "Penthouse"). Only volunteers fully aware of the research procedures serve as subjects. Pressure is not exerted on persons to volunteer, and subjects do not participate in any new research activities not detailed at the time the subject chose to participate. Subjects are free to leave the research program at any time for any reason without any penalty. A debriefing is held to explain any procedures that may involve deception. An independent advisory committee composed of members of the general community reviews and monitors all research procedures used. 8 references.