Research Methodologies
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Ethical Research Practices
Social and cultural researchers are expected to conduct research in an ethical manner.
Following the principles of ethical research is important because:
- this promotes trust that the information collected will be used responsibly and will be treated with respect and confidentiality
- if the respondents feel comfortable with the ethical research process, they are much more likely to offer replies to questions and therefore genuine knowledge can be gained by the researcher.
In practice, ethical research means that:
- any prospective research participants must be fully informed about the procedures and any possible risks involved in the research, and must give their consent to participate
- participants are not put in awkward situations or asked to talk about sensitive topics that may make them feel uncomfortable
- the ethical researcher is open and honest with participants about the topic and scope of the project and the nature of the participation or information expected from them
- the protection of participants’ rights to confidentiality and privacy is ensured
- the researcher anticipates any negative effects on the research participants (including the researcher), such as personal danger, police intervention, social embarrassment or harassment – the researcher needs to prevent these
- the researcher is mindful of the special needs of any vulnerable groups, such as children
- there is nothing covert associated with the research.
Once data (information) is collected, the researcher begins the process of analysis, synthesis and deduction. At this point, the ethical researcher needs to be aware of any assumptions or biases that may underlie the research. It is critical that the researcher analyses the data without looking for evidence to support any preconceived ideas about what she or he may find.
Ethical research practices apply to both primary and secondary research – for example, in secondary research, the collection and use of information from books, magazines, the internet, communication technologies and so on. The protection of intellectual property in the writing-up process through the acknowledgement of all information used is critical, not only out of respect for the original author of the information but also to protect the researcher from breach of copyright law. With the availability of film clips, information, images and other content from the many sources accessible to researchers, discernment and care need to be taken in order to avoid material that might be inappropriate or potentially offensive for the audience of the final product.
Plagiarising other people’s work is unethical, a breach of copyright law, a misuse of intellectual property, and an untruthful representation of other people’s work as the researcher’s own.
Researchers must never plagiarise!
From NESA NSW Society and Culture Stage 6 Syllabus, Sydney, 2013
Research Case Studies
References
NESA NSW Society and Culture Stage 6 Syllabus, Sydney, 2013
NESA NSW Society and Culture Stage 6 Syllabus, Sydney, 2013