Ethics, Race, and Deception: Analyzing a Historical Medical Study

Abstract

This class activity engages students in a critical exploration of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, a notorious example of unethical medical research. The activity is particularly well-suited for courses on race and ethnicity, research methods, or medical sociology, and it is especially effective in upper-level classes like Race and Ethnic Relations. Prior...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Medical Sociology, Racial and Ethnic Relations

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Level(s):

Any Level, College 100, College 200, College 300, College 400

Class Size(s):

Medium, Small

Usage Notes

This class activity is designed for an upper-level course on Race & Ethnic Relations, which is part of the sociology program and also includes students from social work and public health disciplines. The course is taught at a conservative Catholic university where general education includes a focus on ethics, especially within the context of...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Understand Ethical Principles in Racial Contexts: Upon completing this activity, students will demonstrate a deep understanding of key ethical principles in research, such as respect for persons, beneficence, justice, non-maleficence, and fidelity and responsibility, particularly as they apply to racial and ethnic minorities.
2. Apply Ethical Analysis to Racially Charged Studies: Upon completing this activity, students will apply ethical principles to critically evaluate research studies, with a focus on those involving racial and ethnic minorities.
   
3. Reflect on Historical Context of Racial Research: Upon completing this activity, students will articulate the historical context of the study and evaluate its impact on contemporary ethical standards in research, particularly in studies involving racial and ethnic minorities.
   

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Understand Ethical Principles in Racial Contexts: Students' active participation in group discussions will be assessed based on their engagement and the effectiveness of their application of these ethical principles, especially in racial and ethnic contexts.
2. Apply Ethical Analysis to Racially Charged Studies: Students will be assessed on their ability to analyze the historical medical study using the ethical principles discussed, with particular attention to the racial implications of the study.
3. Reflect on Historical Context of Racial Research: Students will be assessed on their oral reflections regarding the historical context of the study and its impact on current ethical standards, with an emphasis on race and ethnicity.