Laud Humphreys conducted a study called Tearoom Trade, his main research objective was to investigate homosexual encounters occurring in public restroom, such as; department stores, YMCA’s and public parks throughout the United States. Humphreys observation consists of observing homosexual and bi-sexual men using public toilets and those who had homosexual encounters. He also followed these individuals to their homes a year later, to find out their marital status and use the pretext that he was doing a social health survey. Throughout his research he observed hundreds of impersonal sex and fellatios between men who were gay, heterosexual, and bisexual, without their consent.
Humphreys violated the privacy ethical standards when he decided …show more content…
First, he could have asked everyone who had entered the tearoom, if they would like to participate in his case study. Secondly, after explaining what his study will be about, each individual should have had the opportunity to agree or not to agree with the study, even though it’s very possible that a large percentage of them would have decline because of their privacy. This method would have been effective because everyone involved would have agreed to anonymity and could have made this research much more acceptable for those who are interested in Humphreys case study. Deceiving people and being deceptive does not protect the rights and confidentiality of that individual and it does not follow the ethical rules in any way. Lastly, what make these rules plausible, is that people recognized some common ethical norms but interpret, apply, and balance them in different ways in light of their own values and life experiences. For instance, had these men willingly participated in Humphreys research I’m sure some of them would have had no problem giving him all the details he needed. This would have narrow down Humphreys research and maybe he didn’t have to wait a year later to interview them, because he would have all the consent and information he needed at that time. How does it comply with all ethical standards? Because these ethical rules respect the privacy of those participating in the
Humphreys violated the privacy ethical standards when he decided …show more content…
First, he could have asked everyone who had entered the tearoom, if they would like to participate in his case study. Secondly, after explaining what his study will be about, each individual should have had the opportunity to agree or not to agree with the study, even though it’s very possible that a large percentage of them would have decline because of their privacy. This method would have been effective because everyone involved would have agreed to anonymity and could have made this research much more acceptable for those who are interested in Humphreys case study. Deceiving people and being deceptive does not protect the rights and confidentiality of that individual and it does not follow the ethical rules in any way. Lastly, what make these rules plausible, is that people recognized some common ethical norms but interpret, apply, and balance them in different ways in light of their own values and life experiences. For instance, had these men willingly participated in Humphreys research I’m sure some of them would have had no problem giving him all the details he needed. This would have narrow down Humphreys research and maybe he didn’t have to wait a year later to interview them, because he would have all the consent and information he needed at that time. How does it comply with all ethical standards? Because these ethical rules respect the privacy of those participating in the