Ethics in Educational Research V. Darleen Opfer

Why do we need to discuss ethics? Percentage of Researchers who say they engaged in the behaviour within the previous 3 years (n=3,247) Failing to present data that contradict ones own previous research6.0 Circumventing certain minor aspects of human- subject requirements7.6 Overlooking others' use of flawed data or questionable interpretation of data12.5 Changing the design, methodology or results of a study in response to pressure from a funding source15.5 Inappropriately assigning authorship credit10.0 Withholding details of methodology or results in papers or proposals10.8 Using inadequate or inappropriate research designs Inadequate record keeping related to research projects % of respondents had engaged in at least one unethical behavior in the previous 3 years

Where might the sources of ethical issues lie in research? Kinds of problem being researched Kinds of problem being researched Negotiating access Negotiating access Methods for data collection Methods for data collection Context of research Context of research The sample The sample The data collected The data collected Uses of the data Uses of the data Ethical issues arise at all stages of the research process

Ethical issues are activated when there are marked differences between researchers and participants in terms of their personal characteristics Age Age Social or professional status Social or professional status Sex Sex Disability Disability Cultural differences Cultural differences Religious differences Religious differences Ethnic differences Ethnic differences Ensuring equality and avoidance of prejudice and harassment are the responsibility of the researcher

Ethical Principles to be Considered Benefit Benefit Voluntary Informed Consent Voluntary Informed Consent Confidentiality Confidentiality Deception Deception Right to Withdraw Right to Withdraw Harm Harm Integrity Integrity

Case Questions PT1 What are Judys responsibilities to the students, parents and Ms. Rosen, if any? What are Judys responsibilities to the students, parents and Ms. Rosen, if any? What are the potential consequences of not obtaining consent for the students, parents, Ms. Rosen, and Judy, if any? What are the potential consequences of not obtaining consent for the students, parents, Ms. Rosen, and Judy, if any? Given the potential consequences, should Judy obtain parental consent? Given the potential consequences, should Judy obtain parental consent?

Case Questions PT2 How well does this method of consent protect the autonomy rights of the students? How well does this method of consent protect the autonomy rights of the students? What about the parents? What about the parents? Are there alternative methods of obtaining consent? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Are there alternative methods of obtaining consent? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? How should Judy obtain parental consent? How should Judy obtain parental consent?

Case Questions PT3 What are Judys responsibilities to the participants in her study? How do they differ from her responsibilities to the parents? the university? the funding agency? What are Judys responsibilities to the participants in her study? How do they differ from her responsibilities to the parents? the university? the funding agency? Does Judy have the same obligations and responsibilities to fourth graders as sixth graders? What about eighth graders? Does Judy have the same obligations and responsibilities to fourth graders as sixth graders? What about eighth graders? What options of action are available to Judy? What options of action are available to Judy? How well do each of these options protect the rights of the students? the parents? How well do each of these options protect the rights of the students? the parents?

Case Questions PT4 Does maintaining confidentiality fulfill Judys ethical obligations and responsibilities to her participants, parents, university and funders? Why or why not? Does maintaining confidentiality fulfill Judys ethical obligations and responsibilities to her participants, parents, university and funders? Why or why not? Was Judys decision ethical? Why or why not? Was Judys decision ethical? Why or why not?

Ethical Issues in Your Research What ethical issues does your proposed study raise? What principles do you need to define and consider in the context of your own research?