Ethical Research Design Introducing a way to think about Ethics Kris Stutchbury kris.stutchbury@open.ac.uk

Activity Read the account of a PhD project Identify the main ethical issues How did you approach the issue?

What does the literature say? Ethics can be a difficult issue Ethical issues will emerge over time Lists of principles and guidelines are not enough BUT………. Lack of coherence How can you be sure you have thought of everything? Institutional requirements can be onerous Lists can be disempowering – close down thinking

Seedhouse’s Ethical Grid Provides a way of thinking about a situation that is structured, coherent and recoverable. Based on Moral Theory Consists of layers Designed to be used in Healthcare – but has potential as a tool to be used beyond that.

External Considerations Consequential Layer Duties + Motives Individuals

An alternative view of the grid……………. Core Rationale Deontological layer Consequential layer External Considerations

Flinders Ecological Utilitarian Relational cultural sensitivity Deontological Relational Recruitment cultural sensitivity informed consent reciprocity collaboration Fieldwork avoidance of detachment avoidance of harm avoidance of wrong avoidance of imposition Reporting responsive communication confidentiality fairness confirmation

External Considerations Codes of practice Risks The law Use of resources Effectiveness and efficiency of action The degree of certainty of the evidence on which action is taken

Consequentialist Layer Consequences of the research for: oneself the individual a particular group of individuals society

Duties + Motives (Intentions) Tell the truth Minimise harm Keep promises Do most positive good

Concern for Individuals Respect the needs of individuals Respect Autonomy Respect persons equally Create autonomy? The Ethic of Trust?

A quote from Seedhouse…… ‘The Ethical Grid is a tool, and nothing more than that. Like a hammer or screwdriver used competently, it can make certain tasks easier, but it cannot direct the tasks, nor can it help decide which tasks are the most important. The Grid can enhance deliberation- it can throw light into unseen corners and can suggest new avenues of thought – but it is not a substitute for personal judgement’ (p209)

Advantages Provides structure and coherence in a difficult field Based on Moral theory Can be used over time at different points in the research Seems to embrace many of the ideas described elsewhere Leads to meaningful discussions

Opens up new lines of thought – consequential dimension/dissemination Supports sound methodology Potential for ethical learning

Reference Stutchbury, Kris and Fox, Alison(2009) 'Ethics in educational research: introducing a methodological tool for effective ethical analysis', Cambridge Journal of Education, 39:4, 489 — 504