Unit 5 AS1: Research Proposal Assignment
Considering Ethical Issues in Data Collection
Kumar: Research Methodology
Chapter 14
Prepared by Stephanie Fleischer
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd 2014
Topics covered
The concept of ethics
Stakeholders in research
Ethical issues to consider concerning research participants
Ethical issues to consider relating to the researcher
Ethical issues regarding the sponsoring organisation
Ethical issues in collecting data from secondary sources
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd 2014
The concept of ethics
Code of conduct on how to conduct research appropriately
Differs between disciplines and professions
What are these principles of conduct?
Who determines them?
In whose judgement must they be considered appropriate?
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd 2014
Concept of ethics continued
Code of ethics addresses ethical practice to avoid:
Causing harm to individuals
Breaching confidentiality
Using information improperly
Introducing bias
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd 2014
Stakeholders in research
Ethical issues need to be considered for all stakeholders involved in a research study:
The research participants or subjects
The researcher
The funding body
authored by Stephanie Fleisher © SAGE publications Ltd 2014
Ethical issues to consider concerning research participants
Collecting information
Seeking informed consent
Providing incentives
Seeking sensitive information
The possibility of causing harm to participants
Maintaining confidentiality
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd 2014
Ethical issues to consider relating to the researcher
Avoiding bias
Provision or deprivation of a treatment
Using inappropriate research methodology
Incorrect reporting
Inappropriate use of the information
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd 2014
Ethical issues regarding the sponsoring organisation
Restrictions imposed by the sponsoring organisation
The misuse of information
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd 2014
Ethical issues in collecting data from secondary data
Plagiarism
Informed consent
Mispresentation of data
Misinterpretation of data
Disclosing data source
Using data collected by covert means
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd 2014
Summary
Conducting research requires considering ethical issues
Researchers have to adhere to a code of conduct developed by professional practice
Ethical issues relate to participants, researchers and sponsoring organisation involved in the research study
Ethical issues need to be addressed in the research process to prevent harm
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd 2014