Research Ethics

Undoubtedly, the ethical dimension in research has become of extreme significance especially for researchers and avid practitioners alike who seek validity, reliability and integrity in their work. This chapter examines the various definitions of ethics, its principals and the different types of ethical issues to consider when conducting research, including the respect for persons and their informed consent; justice, respect for communities, as well as the principals of non-maleficence and beneficence. Furthermore, it sheds light on the role of the Institutions Research Boards (IRBs) in setting ethical guidelines and ensuring that all research undertaken is ethically approved. The chapter also considers the ethical matters in research and the related governing laws which could differ from one country to another. The ethical issues to consider at the different stages of the research process are portrayed and explained. Additionally, the chapter provides a thorough distinction between the need to contemplate the specific ethical issues related to the qualitative and quantitative research. It points the importance of maintaining integrity during the entire research process and the associated pitfalls such as simultaneous submission. Ethical issues in authorship and plagiarism are also stressed upon. This chapter also gives an overview of the possible sanctions for breach of integrity in different contexts. A comprehensive case study on ethics and an example of a consent form are included at the end of the chapter for application and analysis.