Ethics in Qualitative Research By Hammersley Traianou 2012

Multiple Overlapping Contrasts (p. 20) • To do with what is of ultimate value rather than what is only of instrumental value • Concern for the interests, feelings, or rights of others versus self interest • Observing rules and principles rather than acting in the most expedient manner in the circumstance

Multiple Overlapping Contrasts (p. 20) • Concern for “higher values” such as common good versus financial return or social status • Acting from duty versus responding to desire or inclination • Behaving thoughtfully versus impulsively

The Research Ethos • Don’t confuse research goals with research motives

The Research Ethos • Only goal = pursuit of knowledge

The Research Ethos • 3 Virtues – Dedication – Objectivity – Independence

The Risk of Harm • • Always some degree of potential harm Assess severity Must be judged in context (p. 74) Who? – Those researched – Those affiliated – Researcher(s)

Privacy, Confidentiality, & Anonymity • “Sensitive” topics include (p. 108): – Explores deeply personal experiences/feelings – Issues of deviance and social control – Examines acts of coercion or domination – “Sacred” issues of participants

Privacy, Confidentiality, & Anonymity • Definitions of possible “private” places (p. 111) – Special home for individuals or groups – Place that is privately owned – Restrictions for entry – Private activity in public space (sports, gatherings)

Informed Consent • Not an excuse to invade privacy or allow relationships to cloud judgment

Online Privacy Issues • Public or private domain? • Definition of “sensitive” may vary across researchers, participants, cultures • “Lurking” can be legitimate (p. 120) • Consent from whom? Person? Community?

Strategies for Maintaining Confidentiality Secure notes, recordings, write in code Share information carefully Stand your ground, no matter what Discreet interventions Use careful judgment if providing feedback to gatekeeper • If anonymity and confidentiality cannot be absolutely protected, researcher should not promise it • Exceptions: Should people be protected (if they do harm? ) What if informants want to be identified? • • •