ETHICS IN SOCIAL RESEARCH

Dr. Codruta Gosacodrutagosa@yahoo.co.uk

CONCEPTUAL CLARIFICATIONS

Ethics and moral what is seen as good or bad, right or wrongculturally and historically boundMoral a specific act consistent with accepted notions of right or wrongEthics general principles of what to do (in research terms, obeying certain guidelines: code(s) of practice, designed by professional associations)

TASK 1 You want to research a problem pertaining to the social phenomenon labelled as marriage. Identify the ethical problems it might entail and the possible solutions.

Ethical issuePossible solution(s) 1.2.3.

GENERAL PRINCIPLESConsentHonestyProtection of participantsBenefit

SPECIFIC PRINCIPLES: WHEN WORKING WITH TEXTS PREVIOUSLY PRODUCED

Copyright laws

SPECIFIC PRINCIPLES: WHEN WORKING WITH PEOPLETen questionable practices in working with people (adapted from Robson: 1993)1. Involving people without their knowledge or consent;2. Coercing them to participate;3. Withholding information about the true nature of research;4. Otherwise deceiving the participants;5. Inducing them to commit acts diminishing their self-esteem;

6. Violating rights of self-determination;7. Exposing participants to physical or mental stress;8. Invading their privacy;9. Withholding benefits;10. Not treating participants fairly, or with consideration, or with respect.

TASK 2Think of the research project for your dissertation. Identify the ethical problems it might entail and the possible solutions.

Ethical issuePossible solution(s) 1.2.3.

QUALITY PRINCIPLES IN QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

ReliabilityValidityObjectivity

QUALITY PRINCIPLES IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCHLincoln and Gubas (1985) concept of trustworthinessCredibilityTransferabilityDependabilityConfirmability