Ethics

Question 1

Informed consent:

Answer 1

● Informed consent should always be obtained.
● Participants should know that participation is voluntary.
● Researcher must provide the participants with sufficient information about the study (who funded the study, who will conduct the study, how the data will be used, and what the research requires of the participants).

Question 2

Protecting participants from harm:

Answer 2

● Protection is important in sensitive research topics (sexual abuse, domestic violence, alcoholism in the family).
● Participants may disclose very private information that they have never shared with anyone before.
● It is important to create an environment that participants may feel comfortable and safe.
● Before the interview or agree to participate, participants should have a clear understanding of the topics to be addressed.
● If participants show signs of discomfort, the researcher should be empathetic and consider stopping the interview.
● If the interview has dealt with emotional and sensitive issues, the researcher should try to return to less sensitive topics towards the end of the interview.

Question 3

Anonymity and confidentiality:

Answer 3

● Participants should be informed about the issues surrounding anonymity and confidentiality.
● Identity of participants should not be known outside the research team. (But in cases where sampling involves a third party participants should be informed).
● Confidentiality means that research data will not be known to anyone outside the study.
● Researcher may have to change minor details in the report to avoid the risk of participants being recognized.
● Confidentiality relates to the way data is stored after the research.
● Data that has been videotaped and archived should be destroyed when transcripts have been made.

Question 4

Withdrawal from participation

Answer 4

• Participants must feel free to withdraw from the study at any time without reasons.
• They can both withdraw from participation and their data.
• Must be clear before and after the study.

Question 5

Deception

Answer 5

Deception is used to avoid participant bias. However, deception must be minimal and the true aim of the study should be revealed at the end. It must be ensured that deception does not cause distress.

Question 6

Debriefing

Answer 6

After the study, participants must be fully informed about the nature and the aim of the study. Deception should be explained at the end.

Question 7

Ethics in reporting findings

Answer 7

• reporting individual results to participants
• publishing the findings
• applying the findings