Beneath the Surface of Float Research - FTA Webinar Presentation by Dr. Emily Choquette
- Floatation Tank Association FTA
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
Ethics in Float Research: Building Trust and Protecting Participants
As floatation-REST research expands, more float centers are exploring how they can participate in or even lead studies. While the opportunity is exciting, it also comes with serious responsibilities. Research is not just about collecting data—it’s about protecting people. At a recent FTA webinar, Dr. Emily Choquette reminded us that ethics must sit at the heart of every research project.
What Counts as Research?
Human subjects research is defined as any systematic investigation that involves living individuals—whether through interaction, intervention, or collection of identifiable private information—with the goal of contributing to generalizable knowledge. That means even something as simple as distributing surveys to your float clients could qualify as research if you intend to publish or share results broadly.
What doesn’t count? If data is collected strictly for internal operations (e.g., customer feedback forms used only to improve your services), it is not considered human subjects research. But the line can easily blur, so centers should always examine their intent.
Why Ethical Oversight Matters
History offers sobering reminders of why protections are needed. The Nuremberg Code (1947) and Belmont Report (1979) were responses to unethical practices such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, where participants were deceived and denied treatment. These cases underscore that ethical safeguards are non-negotiable—not just for legal compliance but to avoid causing real harm and mistrust in communities.
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)
If your center wants to participate in formal research, IRB approval is essential. These committees review study designs to ensure participant safety, informed consent, and ethical conduct. While private IRBs can charge fees and require regulatory expertise, many universities and hospitals have their own IRBs that may be more accessible if you conduct research though a partnership with them.
Key misconception: IRB approval doesn’t transfer liability. Even with approval, centers are responsible for understanding and following ethical principles.
Informed Consent and Vulnerable Populations
Clear, transparent consent is the backbone of ethical research. Participants should understand risks, benefits, and their right to withdraw. This is especially crucial for vulnerable populations, such as:
Children and adolescents
Prisoners
People with diminished capacity (e.g., cognitive impairments)
Economically or educationally disadvantaged individuals
These groups may face unique pressures or lack the resources to fully evaluate their participation, so extra care is required.
Protecting Data
Float research often involves sensitive personal information—names, health histories, or even biometric data. Protecting that information isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s an ethical responsibility. Breaches can cause lasting harm. Strong privacy practices help safeguard participants.
Common Pitfalls for Float Centers
Many float center owners ask, “I’m not a researcher—can I still collect data?” The answer is yes—but only if you’re committed to doing it right. Collecting data without ethical oversight, even with good intentions, can erode trust. Dr. Choquette emphasized that other health fields have faced criticism for bypassing ethical safeguards; our industry must hold itself to higher standards.
Case Studies and Storytelling
Sharing unique client experiences can be valuable, but it must be handled carefully. Case studies should protect identities and focus on educational value, not marketing spin. Anecdotes are meaningful, but they cannot replace formal research.
The Takeaway
For float research to flourish, we need more than data—we need integrity. Ethical research ensures participants are respected, communities are protected, and findings are credible. By following established principles of consent, oversight, and privacy, float centers can contribute to meaningful, trustworthy research that benefits the entire industry.
Want to learn more? Contact echoquette@laureateinstitute.org or email info@floatation.org. Presentation slides from this webinar were made available for download from Dr. Emily Choquette as FTA member resources:
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