ABSTRACT
Some forms of research are controversial. Sometimes, it is because the risks associated with it are difficult to bear or it violates a particular set of values (or both). There are some who will ask whether or not certain research should be done. As this can be an extremely difficult issue to approach, it can be hard to maintain peaceful dialog. For most of these research topics, there are well-established guidelines that govern what can and cannot be done. By and large, most researchers follow these guidelines. The fact remains, however, that someone, somewhere is performing research right now that you will be personally uncomfortable to know is happening; and it is 100% legitimate and allowed. As your career advances, you may be faced with performing research that is within the parameters of scientific and research ethics that violates your personal code. What should you do in such a case? I truly do not know. On the one hand, you should stand by your beliefs and stand up for what you believe in. On the other hand, doing so may cause you to lose your job. Herein, some controversial research topics are discussed, and this is by no means an exhaustive set. My goal with this section is to try to inform you of what is out there regarding such research topics so you can do your best to avoid being in a position where you have to choose between your employment and your morals. An additional goal is to try to help you gain comfort talking about topics that are hard to talk about.77
