Ethical issues raised by the increasing reliance on observational tech
nology in family research are discussed. The tensions between scientif
ic advancement and participant welfare are highlighted by delineating
the process of observational research and the nature of the relationsh
ip between family scientists and the families they study. Guidelines a
re proposed for ethical decision making regarding potential child abus
e, suicidality, informed consent, confidentiality, and debriefing.