Ethical Issues in Social Research

Question 1

What association has its own code of practice for researching sociologists? What does it outline in its Statement of Ethical Practice?

Answer 1

• British Sociology Association

- outlines a number of regulations regarding the conduct of research

Question 2

What factors do ethical issues relate to?

Answer 2

• choice of topic
• group to study
• effects of a study on the people being studied (and wider society)
• issues relating to legality and immorality

Question 3

What is one of the main ethical issues at the heart of the way that sociologists treat respondents?

Answer 3

• the notion of ‘informed consent’

Question 4

What does the term ‘informed consent’ state?

Answer 4

• all people should participate freely
• all people involved in research should not face pressure of any sort
• people should be aware of the fact that the researcher is doing research and something about the nature of the research

Question 5

After collecting information, what responsibility does the researcher have towards the respondent?

Answer 5

• research should be treated as confidential

- people should be granted anonymity after the findings are published