DISSERTATION WORKSHOP THURSDAY 21st November 2013 Research Ethics
Ethic in social research Research in the social sciences is with human beings: So need to consider how we treat people and what it is ethical to research Governed by the BSA statement of ethical practice: mentofEthicalPractice.pdf mentofEthicalPractice.pdf
Ethical research (1) Harm to respondents a) through the experience of being researched (anxiety, stress, trauma) b) Consequences of the research c) Confidentiality and anonymity d) Pictures? Research settings? e) Dependency?
Ethical research (2) INFORMED CONSENT Enough information to make informed judgements Covert and overt research? Is informed consent ever possible – do we know all of the outcomes of our research? Should be written consent, agree wording with supervisor if you are unsure
Ethical Research (3) INVASION OF PRIVACY Justifying intrusion Negotiating consent is likely to be contingent Public and private spheres Visual methods as intrusion on privacy?
Ethical research (3) DECEPTION How do researchers present themselves? Conflicts of interest? Is deception unavoidable? Can covert research ever be justified?
Finally.... Complete the ethics form, get it agreed and signed by your supervisor And hand it to Jane Cooper. IMPORTANT – do not start empirical research before you have done this!