Concern for ethics in research developed after World War II. In several cases, the
good intentions of researchers resulted in severe emotional distress of subjects. In
response, the American Sociological Association has prepared a set of guidelines to
protect people involved in research. Under these guidelines the respondents must
remain completely anonymous and may quit whenever they wish. They must be
informed of the researcher’s institutional affiliation and the purpose of the research.
All academic research supported by the federal government must be reviewed by a
Human Subjects committee which guards the civil rights and well-being of the
participants.