Ethics in Research Anne Freund 7 th November
Ethics in Research Anne Freund 7 th November, 2011
Introduction �Research ethics is about codes of conduct in research. �Ethical guidelines have existed in research for many years. For small scale studies (up to 100 hrs) it may be possible to conduct research without reference to an Ethics Committee. �In many institutions an Ethics Committee will decide whether a piece of research is permitted. This is to ensure that no badly designed or harmful research is carried out.
Principles of Research Ethics Blaxter et al (2001) has summarised the principles of research ethics: �being clear about the nature of the agreement you have entered into with your research subjects. �getting the ‘informed consent’ of those you are going to interview, question, or observe. �reaching agreements about the uses of the data, and keeping to agreements once they have been reached. Source: Bell, J. (2005) Doing Your Research Project, OUP, p 46
Working with vulnerable groups �There are particular ethical problems associated with working with some groups e. g. children/young people, people with mental disabilities, victims of domestic violence or crime, prisoners, people on probation, or certain groups of students. �“The issues are whether such participants can rationally, knowingly and freely give informed consent” (Robson, 2002, p 70).
Confidentiality and Anonymity �Confidentiality means that subjects cannot be identified either by name or job title. �Anonymity is a promise that no one, including the researcher, will be able to tell which responses came from which respondent or who has completed the questionnaire. Source: Bell, J. (2005) Doing Your Research Project, OUP, p 48 -49
Checklist for ethics and integrity in research �Do any restrictions or legal requirements relate to your research? �Are there any ethical guidelines or codes or practice I need to follow? �Does the proposed research have to be vetted by an Ethics Committee? �Always aim for the informed consent of your participants. Adapted from Bell, J. (2005) Doing Your Research Project, pp 57 -58
Checklist for ethics and integrity in research �Confidentiality and anonymity are generally promised to participants. �Never break any promises made to participants. �If you are using a computer take care who is to see, or might see your text, especially if it give the names of participants at any stage. �If you think you might wish to publish your findings, make sure you obtain the permission of the people and institutions concerned.
References �Bell, J. (2005) Doing Your Research Project, 4 th ed, Open University Press, Ch 3. �Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research, 2 nd ed, Blackwell Publishing, pp 65 -71.
- Slides: 8