Ethical Behaviour

Research is guided by ethics, it is the most socially responsible or moral way of proceeding.

This means the researcher has a duty to behave in a manner that is considered acceptable by society. Without having knowledge of ethics or ethical procedures, you may unintentionally break the law or show disrespect for those involved in your research.

Ethical issues that may arise during research may include individual bias, respect, integrity and privacy (B.I.R.P).

Bias can occur when the researcher or data are influenced in favour of one point of view.

A researcher must be honest and truthful because they are accountable for undertaking and presenting research without changing, modifying or suppressing any material. Making certain that the entire research process is thorough, reliable and valid will also contribute to its integrity.

For example, a student who runs out of time and uses fake participant names and answers are falsifying their data and undermining its integrity.

Integrity of the researcher:

• Document all data accurately and truthfully. Any conclusions you make should be based on accurately recorded data. Failing to report data or withholding information because it does not support your research conclusions may be considered dishonest. If any data had to be disregarded for any reason, this should be stated in your research report.

• Maintain all documents. Altering or destroying your observation data, research publications or reports may be considered failure to report the truth and will make your research unreliable.

Integrity of the data:

• Appendix: any questionnaires, tapes of interviews or observational notes you conducted should be available. (Where possible, names and other identifying information should be removed to maintain the privacy of participants.)

• Bibliography: the materials you use and their sources should be recorded and dated. This relates specifically to secondary data, which must always be acknowledged.

• Clear records: your records must show exactly what research methods you used and how you conducted them. This supports data reliability and validity as it provides information for future.

Within research, individuals have rights that must be respected. This means that we are sensitive to their views and opinions and life experience.

To show respect for your research participants you need to remember the following principles.

• Voluntary participation: people must not be forced or pressured into participating in your research.

• Informed consent: potential research participants must be fully informed about the procedures and risks involved in your research, and must give their consent to participate

• Risk of harm: you must not put participants in a situation where they might be at risk of harm, either physically or emotionally, as a result of their participation

• Note: Individuals should be approached and treated with respect for their feelings, age, culture, status, health and experiences e.g. the wording of questions should be carefully considered so as not to upset or offend individuals, or be too personal.

Privacy refers to ensuring Confidentiality and Anonymity.

As a researcher you need to remember the following two main principles of privacy:

• Participant confidentiality: always ensure that participants are aware that their personal information will not be made available to anyone who is not directly involved in your research project.

• Anonymity: participants should remain anonymous, even to the researchers themselves, unless they have consented otherwise. Anonymity is a stronger guarantee of privacy than confidentiality, but it is sometimes difficult to accomplish, especially in situations where participants are observed or interviewed by the researcher. In this case, consent must be arranged prior to conducting the observation or interview.