the ethics of research a summary of the british sociological association guidelines
TRANSCRIPT
The Ethics of Research
A summary of the British Sociological Association
Guidelines
Truthfulness
• Findings must be reported truthfully and accurately.
Training
• Do not carry out work which is above your level of training and experience.
Safety
• Do not put yourself at risk of physical or moral danger.
Respondent's safety
• Do not embarrass, shame or endanger any of the subjects of the research.
Trust
• Do not abuse the trust of people who are being studied.
Consent
• People should know that they are being studied and should give their consent.
Withdrawal
• If people do not want to continue in a study, then they can pull out at any time.
Video and tape
• Do not tape or video people if they don’t want to be recorded.
Feedback
• If it is possible, people should have some form of feedback from research.
False hope
• Don’t lead people on by asking questions that make them think things will change because of the research.
Vulnerable people
• Some people are vulnerable because of age, infirmity or understanding. Take special care of their feelings.
Exploitation
• Try not to lie to people. This means that observations should be avoided, if there is a chance they intrude into people’s lives.
Anonymity
• Protect people’s identity at all times. Do not give real names or clues to who they are which might identify them.
The end
For further information:
See the British Sociological Association