Ethical considerations when conducting research with American Indian tribes, communities, and individuals: Research regulations and training at the University of Arizona

Abstract

Current ethical research processes protect the individual. American Indian tribes have collective rights as sovereign nations. But case studies show a lack of ethical considerations and misuse of important scientific data that lead to violations of these collective rights. The University of Arizona supports ethical research with American Indian tribes, communities, and individuals in a number of ways. This thesis explains those processes and resources. In addition, a small, pilot survey assesses University of Arizona researchers knowledge of and attitudes toward research with American Indians. The survey found that generally researchers acknowledge tribal collective rights and desire more resources such as trainings both in person and online.