CROSS-CULTURAL ETHICS IN THE CONDUCT OF DEAFNESS RESEARCH

This paper argues for and illustrates the application of contemporary cross-cultural ethical principles and practices in deafness research. The relevance of framing some deafness research as cross-cultural is first explained. A gradient is defined where cultural bearing varies from low to high, depending on a study's topic and design. It is concluded that scientists should employ contemporary cross-cultural ethical practices when their studies have cultural bearing. The evolution and nature of these special ethical practices are then detailed. They extend research protections beyond the individual participant to the host community as a collective entity. They address: relations with the heterogeneous host community, the research agenda and design, the participation of host community scientists, publication foci and channels, and more. Specific applications of these principles and practices to deafness research are described.