Social Research Methods

Question 1

What are 5 ethical guidelines when using human participants?

Answer 1

Competence, consent, debrief, deceit and the right to withdraw

Question 2

Define competence

Answer 2

Having the qualifications and ability to carry out the study safely and ethically or asking someone else about it (e.g. research peer). Competence includes : understanding the implications of the study, knowing ethical guidelines, getting advice in areas not confident, being suitably qualified, adhering to safe practice, adhering to the date protection task and knowing where and how to store data.

Question 3

Define consent

Answer 3

Ps have to agree to take part and should be informed as far as possible so that consent is informed. Children and others (e.g. autistic participants) tend to be special cases - e.g. parent and school may need to give consent.

Question 4

Define debrief

Answer 4

After the study, a debrief is carrie out to explain everything and this can cover the problem with obtaining uniformed consent. The debrief should include an explanation of the findings.