Research ethics for mobile sensing device use by vulnerable populations.

Area of Science:

• Mobile sensing technologies
• Ethical research practices
• Vulnerable populations

Background:

• Mobile sensing devices, including Global Position Systems (GPS) and accelerometers, are increasingly utilized in research.
• Existing Canadian, US, and International guidelines highlight the need for special ethical considerations when researching vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine specific ethical concerns in research design and process when using mobile sensing devices with vulnerable populations.
• To advocate for collaborative research approaches involving the target communities.

Main Methods:

• Drawing on feminist design, participatory design, and action research principles.
• Analyzing ethical risks related to data control, device practicality, obtrusiveness, informed consent, refusal, security, and safety.
• Developing recommendations for ethical mobile sensing research with vulnerable groups.

Main Results:

• Collaborative design with vulnerable populations is essential for ethical mobile sensing research.
• Commercial devices pose risks regarding data control and wearer practicality.
• Informed consent, refusal, data security, and participant control over data are critical ethical issues.

Conclusions:

• Mobile sensing research with vulnerable populations necessitates a collaborative, participant-centered approach.
• Researchers must prioritize participant control over data and address practical/security concerns.
• Recommendations are provided to enhance ethical considerations in mobile sensing research for vulnerable groups.