1. Ethical Research Design
Introducing a way to think about Ethics
Kris Stutchbury

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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. External Considerations
Consequential Layer
Duties + Motives
Individuals

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

7. 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

8. 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

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

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

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

12. 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)

13. 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

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

15. 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