Ethics

Question 1

What is ethics?

Answer 1

The moral principles or system of a particular leader or school of thought.

(Fellows, 2008)

Question 2

Why is research ethics important?

Answer 2

• Researchers and participants may have different standards of what is morally right and wrong.
• Helps to ensure that our scientific endeavors are compatible with our values and goals via shared guidelines, principles, unwritten laws
• The goal of research ethics is to ensure that no one is harmed or suffer adverse consequences from research activities

Question 3

What are some unethical activities?

Answer 3

• Violating non-disclosure agreements
• Breaking participant confidentiality
• Misrepresenting results
• Deceiving people
• Using invoicing irregularities
• Avoiding legal liability

Question 4

What are the principles of research ethics?

Answer 4

1. Research should be designed, reviewed and undertaken to ensure integrity and quality.
2. Research staff and subjects must be informed fully about the purpose, methods and intended possible uses of the research, what their participation in the research entails and what risks if any are involved.
3. The confidentiality of information supplied by research subjects and the anonymity of respondents must be respected.
4. Research participants must participate in a voluntary way, free from any coercion.
5. Harm to research participants must be avoided
6. The independence of research must be clear, and any conflicts of interest or partiality must be explicit ( obvious).

Question 5

What are the sources of ethical norms?

Answer 5

• Professional Code of Ethics
• Governmental regulations

Question 6

What is informed consent?

Answer 6

A principle that is fundamental to the notion of human rights, (Denscombe, 2002), this means that it is absolutely essential to seek the voluntary consent of the human subject.

The person involved should:
a. legal capacity to give consent
b. should be able to exercise free power of choice without any intervention or force
c. must have sufficient knowledge and comprehension of the subject of research to enable him to make an enlightened decision.

Question 7

What is autonomy in research ethics?

Answer 7

Research participants’ values and decisions should be respected.

Question 8

What is beneficence in research ethics?

Answer 8

Research on human subjects should produce some positive and identifiable benefit rather simply be carried out for its own sake.

Question 9

What is justice in research ethics?

Answer 9

All people should be treated equally.

Question 10

What is integrity in research ethics?

Answer 10

Understanding, accepting and choosing to live in accordance with one’s principles, which will include honesty, fairness, and decency.

Question 11

What are the sources of a research problem?

Answer 11

Experiences, Problems in the Work Environment, Classroom discussions, Offshoots of Other researches, Suggestions from friends or Administrators.

Sources: Wilson, 1987, Adanza, 1994

Question 12

What are the characteristics of a good research problem?

Answer 12

1. Interesting and intriguing to the researcher
2. Worthy of time and resources
3. Not carry moral or legal impediments, nor be controversial
4. Add to existing knowledge or create a new area of exploration
5. Connect to the overall goal of the research
6. Stated plainly and succinctly
7. Defined unambiguously
8. Feasible

Ensure that the problem is connecting to the overall goal of the research.

Question 13

What is one characteristic of a good research problem?

Answer 13

It must be feasible. The researcher should select practical ideas. Practicability of the problem is crucial in determining the feasibility of the study. The research should ensure that the research is not only financially viable but also methodologically. It is crucial for the researcher to state precisely what he or she intends to study or investigate. They should not make assumptions that the reader is abreast of the study. The choice of words should be precise and clear to a layman.

Example: The researcher must ensure that the problem selected is practical and can be realistically studied.

Question 14

What should the research problem be able to do?

Answer 14

It should be able to raise a number of specific research questions. This turns the problem into a question format and presents various aspects or components of the problem. Singling out the research problem is one of the most fundamental steps in the breakdown of the main question into several questions, making it easy to address and provide a framework for the research.

Example: By breaking down the main problem into specific questions, the researcher can address different aspects of the issue.

Question 15

According to Hartas (2010), what influences a researchable problem?

Answer 15

A complex dialectical process linking the researcher’s identity, position, and experience with their understanding of themselves, their work, and relationship with society. This relationship involves the researcher in different roles as a student, practitioner, parent, and community member, predisposing them to an interest in societal happenings.

Example: The researcher’s background and experiences play a significant role in shaping the research problem they choose to investigate.

Question 16

What is the primary purpose of a theoretical framework?

Answer 16

It is to offer an explanation of a phenomenon, its nature, challenges, and experiences that shape its existence. The researcher uses the literature to either prove or disprove their theory or thesis. Theoretical framework provides the researcher with a coherent outlined problem to build their argument.

Example: The theoretical framework helps the researcher explain the reasons behind the phenomenon they are studying.

Question 17

What are some factors that influence the selection of a research problem?

Answer 17

1. Availability of data
2. Time constraint
3. Funds
4. Capability of the researcher
5. Attitudes and interest of the researcher
6. Interest of the sponsor or the benefactor
7. Importance of the issues involved
8. Recency of such issues
9. Cooperation of others
10. Facilities and equipment

Example: Researchers need to consider various factors such as data availability, time constraints, and financial resources when selecting a research problem.

Question 18

What are the characteristics of a good title for an investigation?

Answer 18

1. The title should be clear and specifically stated
2. The title should not exceed 16 substantive words
3. The words in the title should be easily defined.

Example: A good investigation title should be concise, clear, and easily understood by readers.

Question 19

What are the main parts of a research report?

Answer 19

1. Chapter 1 – The Problem and Background of the Study/Rationale
2. Chapter 2 – Review of Related Literature and Studies
3. Chapter 3—Methodology
4. Chapter 4—Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data
5. Chapter 5—Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations

Example: A research report typically consists of these five main chapters that cover different aspects of the study.

Question 20

What are the parts found before Chapter 1 in a research report?

Answer 20

1. Title Page
2. Approval Sheet
3. Acknowledgement
4. Dedication
5. Abstract
6. Table of Contents
7. List of Tables
8. List of Figures

Example: These sections are included before Chapter 1 to provide essential information about the research report.

Question 21

What parts are included after Chapter 5 in a research report?

Answer 21

1. Bibliography
2. Appendices (including permit to conduct the study, letter to respondents, sample questionnaire)
3. Curriculum Vitae

Example: These sections are typically included after Chapter 5 to provide additional information and references related to the research.

Question 22

What are the sub-topics of Chapter 1 in a research report?

Answer 22

A. Introduction
B. Theoretical Framework
C. Statement of the Problem
D. Hypotheses of the Study/Basic Assumptions of the Study
E. Scope and Delimitations of the Study
F. Sign

Example: Chapter 1 of a research report covers various aspects such as the introduction, theoretical framework, and statement of the problem.

Question 23

What are the components included in the study?

Answer 23

1. Bibliography
2. Appendices
   a. Permit to Conduct the Study
   b. Letter to Respondents
   c. Sample Questionnaire
3. Curriculum Vitae

Question 24

What are the sub-topics of Chapter 1?

Answer 24

A. Introduction
B. Theoretical Framework
C. Statement of the Problem
D. Hypotheses of the Study/ Basic Assumptions of the Study
E. Scope and Delimitations of the Study
F. Significance of the Study
G. Definition of Terms

Question 25

What is the purpose of the Theoretical Framework?

Answer 25

Theoretical framework helps the researcher to breakdown the main research question into simpler questions or sub-problems. This helps the researcher to chance to have a thorough analysis of each of the concept or idea in his or her research. It is crucial for the researcher to distinguish sub-problem from pseudo sub-problems, which may divert his or her attention. Theoretical framework of any study consists of concepts, their definitions, and existing theories that are used in the study. An effective theoretical framework must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of theories and concepts that are pertinent to the area of study. Theories developed should be based on appropriateness, simplicity of application and its explanatory. If appropriately used, theoretical framework can strengthen the study in several ways. It connects the research with the existing knowledge and arguments made concerning the topic. The research can use relevant theories to create a strong basis for the chosen thesis. It also offers a strong basis for the selection of the research method.

Development of Theoretical Framework
1. It enables the research to address the questions of causes and effects.
2. It allows the research to offer detailed anatomy of the problem instead of offering basic or generalized observations.
3. A researcher uses a theoretical framework to demonstrate how various concepts of the study are interrelated.

Development of an effective theoretical framework is, therefore, a crucial process in research writing. An effective theoretical framework is based on the research problem. The entire study is anchored o an effective research problem. The researcher should brainstorm on variables he or she considers being the main concepts of the study. The researcher should find for relationship between ideas and the effects they have on the phenomenon under investigation. The researcher should use the existing theories to develop his or her theoretical framework. Such a framework should be based on a detailed literature review to reveal competency of the concept. It is crucial for a researcher to brainstorm with other parties on the framework developed.

Question 26

What is the conclusion regarding research problems and theoretical framework?

Answer 26

Research problem is the core of research. Any researcher should take adequate time to refine problem statement because it helps the researcher to link different concepts with the overall goal of the research. Research problems should be selected from topics or areas that interest the writer. They should be stated precisely and with standard language. Theoretical framework is a crucial component of research. It offers the writer a chance to breakdown the concept under study into sub-problems. This makes it easy to study the concept under investigate. A credible theoretical framework is developed from a detailed literature review.

Conclusion
Research problem is the core of research. Any researcher should take adequate time to refine problem statement because it helps the researcher to link different concepts with the overall goal of the research. Research problems should be selected from topics or areas that interest the writer. They should be stated precisely and with standard language. Theoretical framework is a crucial component of research. It offers the writer a chance to breakdown the concept under study into sub-problems. This makes it easy to study the concept under investigate. A credible theoretical framework is developed from a detailed literature review.