Contaminated Water Case Studies Example

The individuals have a right to their confidentiality due to the ethical principle of distributive justice. The principle is the basis of justice defined by Aristotle many years ago as the principal that “Equals should be treated equally and the unequal unequally” (Columbia University 2004) In relating this conjecture to the scenario at hand, the residents from where the data was collected have a right to their confidentiality. This is because since different areas have varying levels of contamination, a solution sought of by the authorities will vary from area to area. It implies results in one area would not be so significant in determining the solution in a neighboring area (Magnus & Kalichman 2002).
When these results are released, there will be a conflict of interest because individuals from neighborhoods where the data was exceedingly significant start asking for more help from authorities in curbing down the problem of contamination (Magnus & Kalichman 2002). Compared to their colleagues whose data wasn’t big enough to raise concern. The scenario may trigger members in the neighborhoods where the contamination was low to increase activities that would otherwise raise contamination in a bid to get more privileges from the authorities. Engaging in such scenarios would worsen the situation at hand.
In conclusion, these scientists had a justification not to allow release of these results because it might have deterred respondents from participating in further research carried out on the subject especially if it exposed their privacy and integrity (Magnus & Kalichman 2002,).On the other hand the issue of conflict of interest would arise In that individuals from neighborhoods with low contamination would develop tendencies aimed at raising contamination levels in a bid to receive more help from the authorities.

References

Columbia University. (2003–2004). Responsible conduct of research: Courses portal. Course 4: Research misconduct. Retrieved September 10, 2005, from http://www.ccnmtl.columbia.edu/projects/rcr/index.html.
Magnus, P., & Kalichman, M. (2002, September). Whistle blowing. Retrieved September 10, 2005, from RCR Education Resources, Online Resource for RCR Instructors: http://rcrec.sdsc.edu/r/index.php?module=ContentExpress&func=display&meid=82&ceid=48.