This assignment will guide you through a critical analysis of one of the most notorious violations of research ethics in U.S. history: the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. After watching two short documentaries, you will write a reflective essay that examines the ethical, racial, and systemic failures of the study, while applying principles from Chapter 6: Confidentiality – Ethical and Legal Issues.
Required Videos:
Please view both videos before beginning your paper:
· Voices of the Tuskegee Study https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e5VfgsGp1kLinks to an external site. A black and grey play button AI-generated content may be incorrect.
· The Tuskegee Experiment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl4yDMJhpAMLinks to an external site. A black and grey play button AI-generated content may be incorrect.
Assignment Instructions:
Using APA 7th edition formatting, write a 750–1000 word essay that addresses the following questions in a clear, integrated format. Do not list and answer the questions—organize your paper using paragraphs and transitional sentences.
Content Guidelines:
1. Summary of the Study Briefly summarize the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. What was the study’s stated goal, and what actually happened to the participants?
2. Ethical Principles Violated Discuss how the study failed to uphold fundamental ethical standards, focusing on:
· Informed consent
· Confidentiality
· Disclosure of results
3. Ethical Recommendations What could have been done to conduct the research ethically (if at all)? Be sure to address:
· Informed consent and participant autonomy
· Confidentiality and privacy safeguards
· Avoiding physical/mental distress
· Responsible sponsored research practices
· Transparent results reporting
· Advocacy and protection for vulnerable clients
· Ethical considerations around withholding treatment for research Do you believe the study could ever have been done ethically? Why or why not?
4. Long-Term Impact Explain the continued impact of the Tuskegee Study on:
· Public trust in health systems
· Research ethics today
· The African American community and other marginalized populations
5. The Role of Racism Analyze how racial injustice influenced the study’s implementation and outcomes. How did racism shape the researchers’ assumptions, methods, and treatment of participants?
6. Personal and Professional Reflection Share your response to learning about the study. How did it affect you emotionally or intellectually? How will this knowledge shape your future ethical decision-making in human services or social work?
Formatting Requirements:
· Length: 750–1000 words (3–4 pages)
· Format: Double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt, 1” margins
· APA Requirements:
· Title page
· In-text citations
· Reference page
· Sources:
· At least one scholarly or credible source (in addition to the textbook and videos)
· Cite both videos in APA format
Use the textbook below as a reference in addition to the video and at least one other scholarly or credible source.
The Textbook is ISSUES & ETHICS In the Helping Professions, 11th ED
Gerald Corey
Marianne Schneider Corey
Cindy Corey
ISBN-13: 978-0-357-62259-9
ISBN-10: 0-357-62259-6