Discuss ethical considerations in research into genetic influences on behaviour

Genetic research can pose risk to participants because of the link between genetic heritage and people's life. Genetic information can be stigmatising and may affect people's ability to get jobs or insurance.

During study

• Participant should know their privacy and confidentiality will be protected.
• What will happen to genetic information obtained as a result of the study should be disclosed.
• Aim and procedure of the study must be explained understandably.
• Informed consent form must be signed.

Confidentiality and Privacy

• Can be protected by providing codes for identification of each participant (anonymising).
• Protects confidentiality from insurance companies, employers, police and others, but also limits scientific value by limiting follow up and further investigation.

Genetic research itself - things to consider

• Can reveal unexpected information that ay harm participants e.g. evidence of misattributed paternity or unrevealed adoptions in a family (awks).
• Also discovery of carrying a gene for a genetic disorder, which can cause stress and problems with insurance.
• Some groups may have objections to genetic study as a cultural principle, given history of discrimination and especially the eugenics movements.