2008.01

Guidelines for Case Discussion

What are case studies?

Based on real or contrived scenarios, case studies are a tool for discussing scientific integrity. Cases are designed to confront the readers with a specific problem that does not lend itself to easy answers. By providing a focus for discussion, cases help trainees to define or refine their own standards, to appreciate alternative approaches to identifying and resolving ethical problems, and to develop skills for dealing with hard problems on their own.

Acceptable Solutions
Most problems will have several acceptable solutions or answers, but it will not always be the case that a perfect solution can be found. At times, even the best solution will still have some unsatisfactory consequences.

Unacceptable Solutions
While more than one acceptable solution may be possible, not all solutions are acceptable. For example, obvious violations of specific rules and regulations or of generally accepted standards of conduct would typically be unacceptable. However, it is also plausible that blind adherence to accepted rules or standards would sometimes be an unacceptable course of action.

Ethical Decision-making
It should be noted that ethical decision-making is a process rather than an endpoint. The clearest instance of a wrong answer is the failure to engage in that process. It is always unacceptable to have made no reasonable attempt to define a consistent and defensible basis for conduct.

How should cases be analyzed?
Many of the skills necessary to analyze case studies can become tools for responding to real world problems. Cases, like the real world, contain uncertainties and ambiguities. Readers are encouraged to identify key issues, make assumptions as needed, and articulate options for resolution. In addition to the specific questions accompanying each case, readers should consider the following questions:

1. Who are the affected parties (individuals, institutions, a field, society) and what are their significant interests?
   
2. What ethical principles are relevant to actions that might or might not be taken?
   
3. What are the relative merits of different approaches to this problem?
   
4. What course(s) of action should be taken and how would that choice be defended?
   
5. What action(s) could be taken that would minimize the risk of this problem in the future?

1. Stakeholders: List the individuals and/or institutions that have an interest in the outcome of the case.
   
   
2. Interests and Principles: Describe the primary interests of the stakeholders.
   
   
3. Principles: Identify the key principles at stake.
   
   
4. Future: Identify options that might decrease the risk of future similar dilemmas.
   
   
5. Brevity: The final analysis should be no more than 500 words.