Human Experimentation during the International Biomedical Expedition to the Antarctic (IBEA)

Abstract

An extensive research project is described, during which resentment and hostility were aroused due to the data gathering methods. Those effects disturbed the smooth running of the project and led to subjects withdrawing from some experiments. Although the entire project had many positive features, those that are reported here detracted from its complete success. The negative features should be heeded by others who wish to improve the quality of their experimental work with human beings, otherwise the unintended stress of experimentation might restrict subject participation and disrupt data collection.

Index Terms:

• human experimentation
• ethics
• stress