Race as a Variable in Research: Convenience vs. Ethics in the Black Community
- Griselda Murguia (Iowa State University)
- Jean Robles (Iowa State University)
- David Mena (Iowa State University)
- Aygul Nurbanu Parpucu (Iowa State University)
- Cristina Diaz (Iowa State University)
Abstract
Should race be taken into consideration when conducting research? Historically, race has been used against the Black community to establish and validate White supremacy. However, scholars have known that race as a social construction is fluid and the dividing lines are never in the same place. Despite this knowledge, some research still uses race conveniently as a biological guidepost. We will be looking into how this affects the Black community in the United States. All research must be held to high standards, but medical research, in particular, has proven most controversial. As a consequence of basing medical research on race, findings become irrelevant and invalid over time. Studies show the pros and cons of the use of race in research, and we explore possible solutions to this complex issue.