Ethics in Social

Research
Dr. Codruta Gosa
codrutagosa@yahoo.co.uk
codruta.gosa@e-uvt.ro

Task 1

You want to research a problem pertaining

to the BA paper production in your
university. Identify the ethical problems it
might entail and the possible solutions.

Ethical issue
1.
2.
3.

Possible solution(s)

Conceptual clarifications
Ethics

and moral what is seen as

good or bad, right or wrong
(culturally and historically bound)
Moral a specific act consistent with
accepted notions of right or wrong
Ethics general principles of what
to do (in research terms, obeying
certain guidelines: code(s) of
practice, designed by professional
associations)

General principles
Consent
Honesty
Protection
Benefit

of participants

Specific principles: when working

with texts previously produced

1.Copyright laws

Specific principles: when

working with people
Ten MUST NOTs in working with people
(adapted from Robson: 1993)
1. Involve people without their knowledge
or consent;
2. Coerce them to participate;
3. Withhold information about the true
nature of research;
4. Otherwise deceive the participants;
5. Induce them to commit acts diminishing
their self-esteem;

6. Violate rights of self-determination;

7. Expose participants to physical or

mental stress;
8. Invade their privacy;
9. Withhold benefits;
10. Not treat participants fairly, or with
consideration, or with respect.

Task 2

Think of the research project for your

dissertation. Identify the ethical problems it
might entail and the possible solutions.

Ethical issue
1.
2.
3.

Possible solution(s)

Qualitative-Quantitative
approaches
Quantitative

birds eve view

survey large-scale numerical
and statistical analyses

Qualitative

worms eye view

case study small case wordy
analyses

Quality principles in
quantitative research
Reliability
Validity
Objectivity

Quality principles in qualitative

research
Lincoln and Gubas (1985) concept of
trustworthiness
Credibility
Transferability
Dependability
Confirmability