Ethical issues

Question 1

Ethics

Answer 1

The moral codes that govern research of all kinds – usually written into formal codes such as the British Sociological Association Code of Ethics (includes: anonymity, care not to cause harm and informed consent)

Question 2

Fran Abrams - below the breadline

Answer 2

Used an observational study by taking on three different jobs for 4 week periods, 40 hours a week on minimum wage to understand the lives of those in poverty.
Low in ethics as the participants didn’t consent, would they have been so open about their lives if they knew it was being published

Question 3

sissons

Answer 3

Used field experiments to observe the reactions of members of the public when they were asked for directions by an actor dressed as a business man or a labourer.
Low in ethics as now permission was given

Question 4

Hey

Answer 4

Hey spent her time with girls in Eastford School doing doing ethnographic research on their lives. Hey is open about the fact that there was a trading situation occurring. She would exchange gifts for access to information about the girls’ social lives and emotions. - exploitation

Question 5

other

Answer 5

Harm
Deception
Exploitation
Access
Informed consent
Confidentiality
Anonymity
Bias
Media interest and publicity

Question 6

Venkatesh

Answer 6

When researching Black Kings’, a crack-dealing gang, with ethnographic research, he has been severely criticised for walking a moral tightrope. He hung around with criminal drug dealers and colluded unethically in gang violence in that he both observes it and once actively takes part in the beating-up of the boyfriend of an abused teen, although he does express some shame at his actions.