Figure 1.2 
Focusing a Research Topic
Safety and Ethical Issues 
Safety Issues 
Here at the beginning of the research process, you need to carefully consider the safety and ethical issues involved in conducting a STEM research project. Special safety considerations must be made when working with chemicals, mold and microorganisms, electricity, radiation, and vertebrate animals—including humans. Follow the safety precautions you have learned from your experience in completing laboratory research in your teacher's classroom, but also read up on additional information on safety. You must understand not only a particular safety rule, but also why it is important. 
Ethical Issues 
In addition to lab safety, you must also consider the ethics of conducting research. Research ethics involve understanding the "norms of conduct that distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behavior" (Resnik 2010, p. 1). Ethics in the context of conducting research might be something you have never had to deal with on a personal level because the lab experiments your teachers have had you do were chosen so they did not violate any ethical issues.