Ethical Considerations in Research: A Guide for Researchers, Slides of English Language

Download Ethical Considerations in Research: A Guide for Researchers and more Slides English Language in PDF only on Docsity! ww NN ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS in RESEARCH a REV. FREDERICK T. MUNDA Ethical Considerations in Research • Most research involves human participants; therefore, it is fundamentally important that human research ethics approval has been obtained • Ethical considerations are integral to academic writing, particularly in shaping the methodology and conduct of research • In designing the methodology for a study, it is paramount to account for these ethical considerations, as they underpin the trustworthiness of the academic discourse Definition: Ethical considerations Ethical considerations in research refer to guidelines and principles which researchers must adhere to as they conduct their research Research often involves face-to-face interaction with people as researchers study behaviors and test the effects of certain phenomena on a target population Ethical considerations dictate the nature of such interactions to ensure research is done per the set rules and principles Why are ethical considerations necessary? Ethical considerations are important because they promote research objectives, including avoidance of error, truth, and knowledge Ethical considerations prohibit false interpretations and misrepresentation of facts in deriving conclusions from any research undertaking Furthermore, ethical considerations are necessary to promote trust, collaboration, and mutual respect since research usually involves cooperation between researchers and people from different dispositions It is vital to ensure that the rights of the participants are not violated in any way. Failure to respect the rights of research participants often leads to misleading information or hostility in some instances. Safeguarding the rights of the participants: Ethical-Considerations - ethical-issues Researchers should observe the following ethical considerations throughout their research: Voluntary participation • Researchers should ensure no participants are coerced into participating in a study • Voluntary participation is a vital principle of ethics in research as it ensures every research participant does so as a personal decision • This is particularly relevant in “captive” populations such as prisons and institutions where the participants may be wrongfully mandated to participate in research studies Anonymity Anonymity in research means that the identity of research participants should be kept secret by ensuring responses cannot be linked back to specific respondents It can also imply that no personal identification details such as names and residential addresses are collected during the initial stages of the research 2 elements : “informed” and “consent” • Participants must be fully informed of what will be asked of them, how the data will be used, and what (if any) consequences there could be. • The participants must provide explicit, active, signed consent to taking part with the research, including understanding their rights to access to their information and the right to withdraw at any point. The informed consent process can be seen as the contract between researcher and the participants. The aspects of "informed" should include clear explanation on: • Who the researcher (s) are, • What the intent of the research is • What data will be collected from participants • How the data will be collected from participants • What level of commitment is required from participants • How this data will be used and reported, and • What are the potential risks of taking part in the research Information Sheet The informing aspect of consent is often undertaken using a short, carefully worded information sheet (1.5 - 2 pages is common), using a writing style tailored for the participants and avoiding use of complex academic terminologies. Anonymity and Confidentiality • It is important the identity of participants is kept confidential or anonymous and the assurances extend beyond protecting their names to also include the avoidance of using self-identifying statements and information • Participant anonymity means the participant’s identity are unknown to the researcher • Participant confidentiality means the participant’s identity are known to the researcher but the data was de-identified and the identity is kept confidential Risk of Harm The research design needs to consider the potential of harm to the participants, the researcher, the wider community, and the institution. The harm can range from physical, resource loss (including time), emotional, and reputational. When considering the potential for harm, the approach should be, in descending order, to eliminate, isolate, and minimize the risk, with the participants being fully informed on what the risks are. Results communication Communication of research results may raise ethical issues Researchers are responsible for ensuring that they communicate their results honestly and credibly Plagiarism is one of the most widespread ethical concerns in scientific research where researchers unlawfully present other people’s work as their own Answers to the Questions Initially, the research examined the progression of syphilis with minimal treatment in black men with late-stage non-contagious syphilis. However, the medications were replaced with placebos administered through invasive spinal taps to test the neurological effects of the disease. When the participants died, the PHS would use their bodies to “further their research.” In today’s circumstances, the complete disregard for ethical principles, in this case, is appalling, but fortunately, it has set the foundation for ethical considerations. FAQs Why are ethical considerations important? ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ARE IMPORTANT TO PROTECT RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS THEY ALSO ENSURE RESEARCH FINDINGS ARE CREDIBLE, HONEST, AND VALID What is research misconduct? • It refers to the manipulation and falsification of data in research • It is an adverse ethical matter as it may damage scientific credibility and an institution’s integrity Thank You!