Implementing Ethics
Implementing Ethics
In my module 2 feedback I discovered that I need to
discuss ethical considerations around my topic in order to help the reader
understand what the inquiry is about, what it touches on and what questions it
raises.
I also need to
use the literature review to give ideas and questions that can inform
reflections on ethical considerations associated with my inquiry topic and my
inquiry methods (not just the procedures I will carry out). This is more about
reflecting on what and why I am doing things.
To fully understand
this feedback and improve my work I needed to break down in further detail what
is being asked of myself. Starting with truly understanding ‘ethical considerations’
The consideration of
ethics in research.
There are a range of
interactions in my research that will occur, including in-depth interviews,
focus groups and surveys. Though I am well intentioned, there is the possibility
that interaction with participants may inadvertently harm them in some
unintended way.
This could include
• Psychological harm –
asking questions about their past could bring up previous traumatic events they
did not wish to revisit.
• Social harm –
researching into their personal lives may bring up confidential information they
do not want others to know about.
Therefore, it is essential
that I carefully evaluate the potential for harm to arise and ensure that I
(a) behave according
to appropriate ethical standards
(b) consider how my
research might negatively affect participants
(c) protect myself
from being placed in situations in which individuals could make claims of
inappropriate behaviour, resulting in public criticism or even your being sued.
Upon evaluating the
potential harm that could arise I came up with these 3 points to ensure that
the research / data collection period would run smoothly and safely.
1.
Full consent should be obtained from the participants prior to
the study.
2.
The protection of the privacy of research participants has to be
ensured.
3.
Anonymity of individuals participating in the research has to be
ensured.
Bibliography
Ethics are something that I have had to revisit as my inquiry and practice based artefact is due. They are something that are always there but we must remind ourselves of "doing no harm" which is such an important part of professional working practices.
ReplyDeleteHi Sophie,
ReplyDeleteInteresting blog. Nice to see it so organised, really resonated with me. Good point about causing harm when you don't mean to. I am preparing my interview questions and this is helpful. I will discuss these questions with my colleagues and friends to see their point of the questions and if they think it would be uncomfortable to answer, and what their perspectives are on them or not as I don't think I can see everything through just my perspective.