Internet-based brain training games, citizen scientists, and big data: ethical issues in unprecedented virtual territories

Ryan H Purcell; Karen S Rommelfanger

doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2015.03.044

Internet-based brain training games, citizen scientists, and big data: ethical issues in unprecedented virtual territories

Neuron. 2015 Apr 22;86(2):356-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.03.044.

Authors

Ryan H Purcell¹, Karen S Rommelfanger²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pharmacology, Emory University, 1531 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Electronic address: ryan.purcell@emory.edu.
² Department of Neurology, Emory University, 1531 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 1531 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Center for Ethics Neuroethics Program, Emory University, 1531 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Electronic address: krommel@emory.edu.

PMID: 25905809
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.03.044

Abstract

Internet brain training programs, where consumers serve as both subjects and funders of the research, represent the closest engagement many individuals have with neuroscience. Safeguards are needed to protect participants' privacy and the evolving scientific enterprise of big data.

MeSH terms

Behavioral Research / ethics
Behavioral Research / methods
Biomedical Enhancement
Cognition / physiology
Confidentiality
Data Collection / ethics*
Databases as Topic / ethics
Deception
Humans
Informed Consent
Internet / ethics*
Privacy
Problem-Based Learning / ethics*
Problem-Based Learning / legislation & jurisprudence
Research Design
Transfer, Psychology / ethics
United States
Video Games / ethics*