Conducting Research Projects Guide: Ethical considerations

Researchers are bound by the laws of the country in which the research is being undertaken (O'Leary, 2010). 

• You are not permitted to engage in any activity within your research that is deemed illegal. 
• Whilst you may discover illegal activity by research participants during your data collection, you need to think carefully about how you will approach the situation - i.e. do you report the illegal activity to the Police? 
• In addition, despite stating to participants that all information will remain confidential, you need to be aware that Courts may subpoena your data for evidential purposes in the case of illegal activity.

Ethical obligation refers to those aspects of research design that determines that the behaviour of the researcher during the research process is acceptable, appropriate and just.  Whilst there is some variation of ethical behaviour from discipline to discipline, O'Leary (2010) highlights three aspects that are commonly accepted:

• informed consent - researchers must ensure that all participants have a full understanding of what the research will cover, their expected involvement and how the research will be used. 
• ensuring no harm comes to any participant - researchers must ensure that no emotional, physical or other harm comes to any participant as a result of their taking part in the study.
• confidentiality and anonymity - participants must be made aware that the information they provide will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.  Where it is suspected the participant's information may be identified by those accessing the research (due to the small sample size, location of the research or other reason), then the researcher will provide pseudonyms.

Morality refers to the right or wrong of situations and the values that researchers bring to their research.

O'Leary (2010) identifies three aspects of moral obligaions in research:

• conscientiousness - researchers must keep in mind the wellbeing of the research participants at each stage of the research process.  This includes being mindful of the power dynamic between the researcher (who holds the power) and those being researched (potentially vulnerable persons).  Researchers much endeavour to ensure that all decisions they make during the research process will do no harm in any form to the participants.
• equity: groups are chosen by researchers because they have particular qualities the researcher wants to explore.  It is essential that researchers ensure that their research does not replicate existing stereotypes, discriminatory practices or other demeaning behaviour.
• honesty:  researchers should be honest and transparent about the purpose of their research, how their research will be used and who will have access to the research during the research process as well as post-research.

To ensure that their research has integrity, all researchers should request that participants sign an informed consent form.  This form is a contract between researcher and participants (O'Leary, 2010).

All participants should receive an information sheet and an informed consent form prior to the beginning of the research.  These forms should include:

Information sheet:   title of the study

                                  introduction to the researcher

                                  what the study is about

                                  how much time the participants will be required to contribute

                                  why they have been invited to take part

                                  whether or not they have to take part

                                  any risks and/or benefits to taking part

                                  will taking part be confidential

                                  how the information will be recorded, stored and protected

                                  what will happen to the results of the study

                                  contact details if the participants want further information.

Remember to thank participants for their time at the end of the information sheet.

                                  For a template visit: Information sheet template

Consent form:         a list of items that demonstrates the participants understanding of: 

                                              what is involved in taking part

                                              how they can withdraw

                                              risks and benefits

                                              what permissions they are giving the researcher

                                              contact details of the researcher.

For a  template for a consent form visit: Consent form template

Note:  the forms will differ according to the type of research you are undertaking.  Your supervisor should be able to give you guidance on which template is best for your particular research project.