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The aversion project 1971 till 1989
In the 1960's an experiment was conducted using homosexual's as the test subject. They wanted to see if the homosexuals would react to the aversive stimuli. The therapy consists of vomit-inducing injections to electric shots after being exposed to homosexual images. They did this because they wanted to see if they could link revulsion/pain with homosexuality, in order to pose a negative image.
Even though this unethical experiment was first conducted in the early 1960's there were many other cases later on that made it controversial. The aversion project in 1971 was lead by Colonel Aubrey Levin which mainly took place in the South african army. Many of these people who were test subjects were men and women around the age of 16-24 and mainly white males that were drafted into this army. They had used the same aversive stimuli as mentioned before but they also forced brutal sex change on some of the participants (i.e cutting off the downstairs)
This experiment cannot be modified to become ethical, because it is offending homosexuals either way. Even if the Aversive stimuli is not used to 'cure homosexuality,' we are still using homosexual people as the subject. Homosexuality can't be 'cured' or stopped, because it is not a disease, it was considered a taboo then, but in the modern times, it is considered as normal, although some people are still against it. Even if we do change or modify this experiment to be ethical, we are still using homosexuals as the test subject. In a way, it will offend the community, and the participant themself in a diverse manner. It will do psychological harm on both sides. Therefore it cannot be modified.
Step 4: Collecting the data
-These psychologists used direct observation and physiological recordings.
Step 5: Analyse the data
-They looked at the participants behavior once they have been given the aversion therapy to see if there were any results that was worth noting down.
Step 6 & 7 : Draw conclusion and report findings
-The aversive stimuli they used in this aversion project did not cure the participants but left them psychologically damaged. Some were able to recover whilst others were psychologically harmed permanently.
Step: Identify the research topic
-To link homosexuals with revulsion/pain and to pose a negative image on homosexuality.
Step 2: Formulate the hypothesis
- It was hypothesised that by exposing participants to aversion therapy, homosexual people would become heterosexual(i.e non-homosexual/straight).
Step 3: Select the research method and design
-The aversion therapy involved pairing these participants with homosexual images and revulsion/pain such as : vomit inducing injections to electric shocks.
There were many things that were unethical about this experiment. Many code of ethics were breached:
Some were forced to participate due to family pressure and the society in general because homosexuality was such a bad taboo back then. They took advantage of the participant, they made it seem as if the homosexual state was a sickness that had to/could be cured. Although these participants felt like they should be cured, they did not consent to the fact that they had to undergo revulsion/pain and they were also not informed properly about being able to withdraw at anytime.
The experiment had harmed the participants physically and mentally. It was unprofessional and unethical in many ways as they breached most if not all of the code of ethics. Although they did manage to keep the confidentiality of these participants unknown.