CHAPTER 4, Section 2 of 2

Ethics

Ethics

What is ethics?

Ethics is ‘that branch of philosophy which is concerned with human character and conduct;

a system of morals or rules of behaviour’

Chambers dictionary, 1993: 55

Why is it important to think about ethics?

Because it is the right thing to do?

What is ‘the right thing’?

Student Activity 1

Ethical obligations

Obligations, legal and professional

Legal obligations

– mandated by law therefore conformance is required. Otherwise, there are sanctions

Professional obligations

– rules of practice, governed by professional bodies. They also have

the right of sanction.

Obligations, cultural and personal

Cultural obligations– standards set by society.

Conformance leads to acceptance. No formal right of sanction until codified into law.

Personal obligations– an individual’s decision regarding

what is and what is not acceptable behaviour.

Student Activity 2

Ethical responsibilities in research

Responsibilities to participants

RespectThink about the consequences of your research on them:

– consequences of the process

– consequences of the results

– confidentiality issues

Informed consentGiving people sufficient accurate

information about your research to ensure that they are able to make a well-reasoned decision regarding their participation:

– Deception: giving false or misleading information or a ‘partial’ truth

– Coercion: the use of pressure, threats or enticements to encourage people to participate

Responsibilities to sponsors

Mutual respect– shared clarity about the research

objectives

Integrity– dealing with people, data and

information in genuine and trustworthy ways

Loyalty– discuss any necessary changes, meet

obligations and recognise limitations

Responsibilities to the wider research community

To retain academic integrity – reference properly

To produce genuine and trustworthy findings– do not skew data or results– do not falsify data or results– do not misrepresent data or results

Student Activity 3

Ethic approval processes

Most institutions require you to have been given ethical approval before you collect any primary data:– This protects you as a researcher– This protects your respondents/

sponsors– This protects the institution.

Familiarise yourself with your own institution’s processes.