Implications of research method
Issues of ethics in research methodology
New faculty members are at the beginning of their research careers and should strive to establish themselves as ethical and thoughtful researchers. Codes of ethics have been established by numerous professional groups addressing issues such as: Honesty, Objectivity, Integrity, Carefulness, Openness, Respect for Intellectual Property, Confidentiality, Responsible Publication, Responsible Mentoring, Respect for Colleagues, Social Responsibility, Non-Discrimination, Competence, Legality, Animal Care, and Human Subjects Protection.
Consider impact on the study population
It is possible for research to be successfully conducted between researchers and vulnerable populations, and research using western technologies can enhance indigenous knowledge. However, successful collaboration between researchers and vulnerable populations requires active involvement and extensive consultation. New faculty members should always ask themselves how the study population might benefit from the research, and how they might be at risk.
Consider accurate reporting of findings
There is pressure to conduct research and report original findings in a timely manner. There have been some cases where researchers take shortcuts in hopes of beating a colleague to publish a finding, show results that are better than they actually are, or leave out the disconfirming evidence for an assertion being made. There is no instance when this is appropriate research finding reporting. New faculty members need to make a firm commitment to the fidelity of the research methodology, and trust that with solid studies they will arrive at findings that contribute to understanding in the field.
Guidelines for Ethical Research
Ethics of Research Involving Indigenous Peoples and Vulnerable Populations
Report of the Global Forum on Bioethics Research, 9th Annual Meeting, Auckland (2008)
This detailed report of the proceedings of the forum offers many insights about working with vulnerable populations, from the perspective of those populations.
World Archaeological Congress Code of Ethics
World Archaeological Congress, a non-governmental not-for-profit organization representing the world-wide body of practicing archaeologists
This site outlines codes of ethics for several populations, and sets guidelines for the display of human remains and sacred objects.
Ethics of Qualitative Research: Are There Special Issues for Health Services Research?
Richards, H. M. & Schwartz, L.J. (2002). Family Practice, Vol. 19, No. 2, p. 135-139. Oxford University Press
This paper addresses the fact that there has been little consideration in medical journals of ethical issues surrounding qualitative research, perhaps because it is assumed that it is unlikely to cause significant harm to participants. There are no clear guidelines for judging the ethics of qualitative research proposals, and some medical research ethics committees have difficulty making these judgments.
Ethical Considerations in Primary Research
Purdue Online Writing Lab, Purdue University
Primary research is used for many purposes and by multiple constituents, journalists use it to report news, national surveys ask what a population thinks about a proposal, companies collect data on their consumers. In an academic setting there are some specific ethical issues to consider, which are reviewed on this site.
ISPOR Code of Ethics
International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (March, 2008)
This website outlines a newly established code of ethics for health care professionals conducting research with patients.
Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct
American Psychological Association
The APA has established a general code of ethics that also addresses appropriate reporting of research findings as described on this site.
Responsible Conduct of Collaborative Research
This site offers tutorials on five issues related to ethics in research: conflict of interest, financial management, mentor-trainee responsibilities, collaborative research, and data management. Case studies, assessment and resources are linked to the site.
Example Using a Case to Teach Ethics
Case Teaching Notes for “A Rush to Judgment? A Case of Research Ethics and Design”
Ginn, S. R., Psychology Department, Wingate University, & Meinz, E.J., Psychology, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (posted November, 2004). Beta Alpha Delta
This copyrighted case contains references and ways to use the case, along with guidelines for appropriate use.
Rationale for Ethics in Research
What is Ethics in Research & Why is it Important?
Resnik, D.B., National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences – National Institutes of Health
This essay explores why ethics is important in research, and provides a summary of ethical principles that codes of ethics address. This site was the source for the "issues of ethics in research methodology" section on this page.
Five Principles for Research Ethics
Smith, D. Monitor on Psychology (January 2003)
This article examines how researchers can avoid ethical dilemmas in their work.
