Research ethics

Question 1

Define research ethics

Answer 1

The application of moral principles to prevent harming or wronging others, to promote the good, to be respectful and fair.

Question 2

Informed consent

Answer 2

-Consent form, this has to be signed by each participant
-Implications of respondents withdrawal
-Feedback to be provided to the organisation
-Difficulties of observational research

Question 3

When may informed consent not be given?

Answer 3

-When researching closed groups, extreme political and religious groups
-May be the only way to study certain topics
-May be the only way to observe respondents in a natrual setting
-BUT it is unethical

Question 4

Describe deception

Answer 4

-Can be used to gain entry into social groups that would otherwise be denied
-Can be used to enter informal hidden worlds
-Or be used to exmaine behaviours that might be masked

Question 5

Avoiding deception and harm

Answer 5

-Importance of clarifying research aims
-Providing feedback should not harm respondents

Question 6

Privacy, identification and confidentiality

Answer 6

-Researchers must assure confidentiality and anonymity but these can be difficult to safeguard
-Names of organisations must be anonymised
-Clarify that individuals will not be named