Read the scenario below and answer the question that follows. Daniel is a junior psychologist in a prestigious research institute. Daniel studies the effects of sleep deprivation on rats. One of the researchers at the institute uses primates to study bonding between family members. Daniel notices that the primates are stored directly in the lab, rather than in the approved animal holding area. Although no animals are being harmed by this action, Daniel knows it is in violation of the laws governing animal research. Daniel also realizes that if the oversight is discovered, then the university may lose its ability to do research with animals and he may lose his job. Select the option in which Daniel acts unethically.
Answer
A
Daniel makes a phone call to report the violation to the government.
B
Daniel speaks directly to the supervising researcher on the project.
C
Daniel reports the violation to his direct research supervisor.
D
Daniel minds his own business and continues his own research.
Explanation
Daniel acts unethically if he minds his own business and continues his research, because he knows the primates are being kept in violation of laws governing animal research. He should raise the concern through an appropriate channel, such as speaking with the researcher or reporting it to his supervisor. Fear that the institute could lose permission to conduct animal research, or that he could lose his job, does not make ignoring the known violation ethical.
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