=z=z=z EE == S==. Sa ee = = SS SS eo... C= a == i i jr CHAPTER 3 Ethical Guidelines and Considerations in Research Research, as a scientific activity, always calls for the involvement of human beings-the researcher and the participants, Because of this, it behooves the researcher to observe ethical practices in his relationship with others, especially with the research participants. Respect for the rights and values of others is very essential; hence this chapter on ethical considerations and guidelines is deemed as an important aspect of research. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) At the end of this chapter, students are expected to:" * Explain the relationship between ethics and morality and the researcher's ethical responsibility when doing research. * Analyze their own practices while doing research, and express their realizations. Demonstrate full understanding of ethical norms and guidelines through correct application of concepts in given exercises.Wed Basic Rules for Ethical Research ‘The professional integrity of the researcher becomes at stake when research Is carrie ‘ut without considering moral issues on what ought to be done and what ought not to b, done. According to Denscombe (2002), the notion of ethics Is closely linked. to the ide, ‘of morality; and that ethics concerns the system of moral principles by which individua, an judge their actions as right or wrong, good or bad. Ethics in research calls for , ‘moral perspective rather than the practical or logical perspective related to the researc) methodology. Brinkmann (2012) lists some ethical questions as guide for the researcher at the star of a research project: What are the beneficial consequences of the study? How can informed consent of the participants be obtained? How can confidentiality of the participants be protected? ‘What are the consequences of the study for the participants? How will the researcher's role affect the study? eeeee In the context of social science, Murphy and Dingwall (im Flick, 2011) have developed an “ethical theory” based on four principles: 1. Non-maleficence - researchers should avoid harming Participants. 2 Beneficence - research on human subjects should produce some positive and identifiable benefit rather than. simply be carried out for its Own sake. 3. Autonomy or self-determination - Tesearch participants’ values and decisions should be respected, 4. Justice ~ all people should be treated equally. ‘To expound more on these ethical concerns, | succinct ideas pertaining to ethical consideratioy integrity of the researcher. Researchers must They should be committed to discovering and repo the succeeding discussion offers more ms in research. First on the list Is the rting things as honestly as possible. A very basic ethical rule is to ac used throughout the text. Knowledge o, acknowledged by citing the name of the such ideas were taken. ‘knowledge the sources of information or data information taken from another source must be author /authors and the reference material Where @ Cuarran 3: Ethical Gulelines end Considorons i Reng SRE wyDeception or misrepresentation must be avoided. The researcher must not be influenced by other considerations except only of what is the truth of the matter. Sometimes misrepresentation or deception In research can occur among social researches sponsored by various interest groups like political groups, manufacturing companies, promotion companies, ‘or even motivated by the researcher's personal interests. In the fleld of educational research perhaps there's a slim chance that this could happen. However, human frailty could lead to temptations due to man’s innate vulnerability to it; hence faithfully observing and committing ‘one's self to ethical guidelines and reminders is truly proper. As expected of every researcher, it is his or her duty to inform and discuss with the participants the consequences of the study, both the positive and negative consequences. Luck may be on the researcher's side if all the intended participants agree to take part in the study. But if there are some who refuse to participate, the researcher cannot force them. It is therefore necessary to get the consent of the participation prior to gathering of data. Informed consent is a principle that is fundamental to the notion of human rights {Denscombe, 2002). This means that it is absolutely essential to seek the voluntary consent of the human subject. The person involved should have the legal capacity to give consent; should be able to exercise free power of choice without any intervention or force; and must have sufficient knowledge and comprehension of the subject of research to enable him to make an enlightened decision. In the case of children participants or other vulnerable members of society, consent must be given by the parents or legal guardian or another person who has a direct, formal responsibility for the welfare of the child or other vulnerable participant. Teacher-advisers in school, acting in loco parentis or in lieu of parents, might take on this role. See sample informed consent on page 30. Privacy, Confidentiality and Anonymity. The researcher should take measures to ‘safeguard the confidentiality of information and ensure the non-disclosure of identities of those participating in the research. As mentioned by Hamersley and Traianou (2012), in legal form, the issue of privacy was originally framed as the protection of individual citizens against intrusions by others into their lives, and against demands for the disclosure of information.” Closely intertwined under the heading of privacy are issues to do with the control of both territory and information. The territory involved is not only physical space, but also virtual space that exists on mobile phones, personal and institutional computers and internet.Sample of Informed Consent Dear Participants: | am Corazon de Maria, a graduate student conducting @ uly oe one Orlentations, Job Performance, and Job Satisfaction of Teache: as. a requirement for the Ed. D. degree. Please help me achieve my goal by voluntarily participating as one of ry research respondents / informants. Rest assured that the information you wi a . Femain strictly confidential and will be used for no other purpose except for this research. Kindly be aware that your participation in this activity is voluntary. Should there be a hindrance to your participation, please let me know. | sincerely express my thanks for your commitment, time and effort which | ‘consider as your unique contribution to this study. Truly yours, . CORAZON DE MARIA Researcher Note: Please write your number code, initials, and date on the spaces below to show that you willingly accomplished this questionnaire. Number Code Initials Date Noted: Research Adviser Confidentiality serves to uphold the law that Protects the privacy of individuals, In research, information that is given by the participants to the researcher during the gathering of data should be treated as confidential. It should not be disclosed to anyone in any wa that allows the information to be traced back to the Individual who provided it as it could Prove embarrassing to the Informant and would constitute a breach of confidence against the researcher. However, in some sensitive cases there are certain limitations to confidentiality,according to Denscombe (2002). The legal duty of a researcher or citizen to disclose information that would redound to the protection of lives of the majority, overrides other considerations about the ethical conduct of research and prior commitment to confidentiality. As an example, if an informant reveals a plot to kill some members of a rival group, or miftor respondents would tell about being victims of physical or sexual abuse, or threats to one's safety made by members of a drug syndicate, etc., under any of these situations, the researcher may prioritize the disclosure of information ahead of research-related commitments about confidentiality. Another related concern is the protection of identities, or the issue of anonymity. In research, truthfulness and objectivity are highly emphasized as good qualities of a researcher, and as necessary ingredients to correct analysis and validity of the research information. However, being truthful about the names or identities of the participants might, likewise, pose as a problem later on since not all participants may be willing to have their names publicized. To get around the dilemma, researchers can use codes in the research report on methodology rather than the real names of people, places, or organizations like student 1,2, teacher A,B,C..., school x and y.... and so on, But the researcher needs to record the true identities in his/her own private file for purposes of verification, clarification, and evaluating the data to support the validity of the findings. A valid and acceptable practice is for the researcher to request a written approval from the informant students, parents, school authorities, organizations, etc. to use their names in the research report.