The ethics of secondary data analysis: Considering the application of Belmont principles to the sharing of neuroimaging data

• Published in: NeuroImage (Orlando, Fla.) Vol. 82; pp. 671 - 676
• Main Authors: Brakewood, Beth, Poldrack, Russell A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 15.11.2013; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Behavior; Consent; Cost-benefit analysis; Data analysis; Ethics; Human subjects; Humans; Information Dissemination - ethics; Information sharing; Informed Consent - ethics; Medical imaging; Neuroimaging; Principles; Research Subjects; Studies; United States > US
• ISSN: 1053-8119; 1095-9572; 1095-9572
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.02.040

The sharing of data is essential to increasing the speed of scientific discovery and maximizing the value of public investment in scientific research. However, the sharing of human neuroimaging data poses unique ethical concerns. We outline how data sharing relates to the Belmont principles of respect-for-persons, justice, and beneficence. Whereas regulators of human subjects research often view data sharing solely in terms of potential risks to subjects, we argue that the principles of human subject research require an analysis of both risks and benefits, and that such an analysis suggests that researchers may have a positive duty to share data in order to maximize the contribution that individual participants have made. •Individuals and their data should be treated with respect, justice, and beneficence.•Sharing data must also follow those principles.•Good ethical practice can create an obligation to share data.