Читать книгу Lifespan Development - Tara L. Kuther - Страница 194

Dr. Preemie conducted a research study of the prevalence and correlates of drug use in college students. Because of the sensitive nature of the research topic, Dr. Preemie promised her participants confidentiality. Each college student who participated completed a set of surveys and an interview about his or her lifestyle and drug use habits. One participant, Carrie, revealed that she engages in moderate to heavy drug use (i.e., drinks two to four alcoholic beverages each day and smokes marijuana several times per week). During the interview, Carrie mentioned that she’s feeling nauseous. Concerned, Dr. Preemie asked, “Do you want to stop the interview and go to the campus medical center?” “No,” Carrie replied, “It’s just morning sickness. I’m pregnant.” “Oh,” said Dr. Preemie, who nodded and continued with the interview.

Afterward, in her office, Dr. Preemie was torn and wondered to herself, “I’m worried about Carrie. Drugs and alcohol disrupt prenatal development, but I promised confidentiality. I can’t tell anyone about this! Should I say something to Carrie? I’m supposed to be nonjudgmental! Intervening might keep other students from participating in my research, for fear that I’d break my promises. I don’t know what to do.”

1 What are the effects of teratogens, like drugs and alcohol, on prenatal development?

2 Describe the course of prenatal development. How do the effects of exposure to teratogens change during prenatal development?

3 Consider the ethical principles discussed in Chapter 1. How might Dr. Preemie’s obligations conflict? As a researcher, is she responsible to Carrie as a participant in her study who signed an informed consent form? Is Dr. Preemie responsible to the developing fetus? Why or why not? Do Dr. Preemie’s actions have any ramifications for the other participants in her study? How might these responsibilities conflict?

4 What should Dr. Preemie do?