ethical considerations Flashcards
what are research ethics?
- ethics are the moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour or how an activity is conducted
- ethics is an important feature of research (primary, secondary, field, applied etc)
- influences our thinking and underpins our processes and practices (research design)
- ethical issues can vary depending on context, but there is a shared purpose in all research
what did Gratton and Jones (2010) (p.21) say about ethical issues?
“whatever research design, sampling techniques and choice of methods you choose to adopt, you will also need to consider the ethical issues associated within the research, that is the question of whether your research design is socially and morally acceptable”
- ethics in research determine the standards that you work to and your code of conduct whilst carrying out your research work
- guidelines for ethical research are developed in various contexts/ disciplines
what are examples of guidelines?
- social research association
- ethical guidelines for educational research
- British Sociological Association
why do we need ethics?
- historical element - past unethical practice is now viewed differently
- legal responsibility to ensure that an ethical review has been carried out - adherence to any research licenses, evidence adherence to Health and safety Law (and associated legislation), doing things without consent (even in the name of science) could be classed as assault under common law, compliance with insurance conditions
- not having them means there is no regulation
- research institutions will now allow research on humans participants to take place without ethical review
- funders will not give money to research that is not underpinned by ethical practices
- publishing houses will not publish work with human participants that has not undergone ethical review
- cannot undertake a diss without showing you have considered ethics
what is ethical practice?
- ethical decisions might vary depending on the type of research (natural sciences or social sciences, for example)
however:
“we each start from the same point: that is ethics matter. Indeed we share the view that ethics is about what is right, good and virtuous” (Israel & Hay, 2006 p.1)
why is ethical practice important?
- minimises harm to individuals, communities and environments
- also protects the researchers and research institutions
- ensures appropriate processes are followed
- clarifies the rationale for/relevance of the research
- often a requirement for publication
what are the key concepts of ethics?
- (informed) consent
participation should not be forced
children/young people (and other vulnerable groups) may need assent - participant information
explain what is required (time commitments etc)
right to withdraw etc (has implications for research) - confidentiality
anonymity for participants - pseudonyms etc
GDPR - use and storage of data (legal requirements) - risk assessment
identifies potential risks and encourages thought about mitigating them
safeguarding, DBS checks etc.
what are the ethical considerations to do with case studies?
all studies require us to think ethically but there may be specific issues in relation to different types of studies
biomedical research: health risks; incidental findings; control groups; post-intervention support; inclusion/exclusion factors; publication or not?
systematic reviews: are all research questions ethical?; naming of authors (acknowledgment);taking account of biases; individual consent…
research with children and young people: gate-keeping; hard to reach groups; consent/assent; forced participation?; safeguarding; tokenism…
what are key issues with research on behaviour change interventions for promoting health and well-being?
- participant capacity (giving consent, understanding participation)
- home-based research (data collection in homes etc.)
- representation of individuals via images, naming etc. (anonymity)
- working with large organisations - dissemination of research and ownership of data
what are key issues with research on media representation of black masculinities and national identities?
- accessibility of media sources - how are these located/used?
- copyright issues in publication?
- use of images in ways other than intended…
- interpretation of media - are these informed by bias?
- discussion of sensitive issues and concepts
what are key issues with research with marginalised children and young people in PE?
- access - gatekeepers (determining participation)
- consent (parents/teachers), assent (young people)
- voluntary participation? (coercion)
- participant safety (restricting methods?)
- researcher safety - being prepared
- anonymity - protecting identities or hiding them?
- participant burden - making busy people busier
