What Are the Ethical Considerations in Research Design?
When I began my work on the thesis I was always focused on my research. However, once I began to make my way through research, I realized that research ethics is a core aspect of the research work and the foundation of research design.
Research ethics play a crucial role in ensuring the responsible conduct of research. Here are some key reasons why research ethics matter:
Let us look into some of the major ethical considerations in research design.
Ethical Issues in Research
There are many organizations, like the Committee on Publication Ethics , dedicated to promoting ethics in scientific research. These organizations agree that ethics is not an afterthought or side note to the research study. It is an integral aspect of research that needs to remain at the forefront of our work.
The research design must address specific research questions. Hence, the conclusions of the study must correlate to the questions posed and the results. Also, research ethics demands that the methods used must relate specifically to the research questions.
Voluntary Participation and Consent
An individual should at no point feel any coercion to participate in a study. This includes any type of persuasion or deception in attempting to gain an individual’s trust.
Informed consent states that an individual must give their explicit consent to participate in the study. You can think of consent form as an agreement of trust between the researcher and the participants.
Sampling is the first step in research design . You will need to explain why you want a particular group of participants. You will have to explain why you left out certain people or groups. In addition, if your sample includes children or special needs individuals, you will have additional requirements to address like parental permission.
Confidentiality
The third ethics principle of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) states that: “The confidentiality of the information supplied by research subjects and the anonymity of respondents must be respected.” However, sometimes confidentiality is limited. For example, if a participant is at risk of harm, we must protect them. This might require releasing confidential information.
Risk of Harm
We should do everything in our power to protect study participants. For this, we should focus on the risk to benefit ratio. If possible risks outweigh the benefits, then we should abandon or redesign the study. Risk of harm also requires us to measure the risk to benefit ratio as the study progresses.
Research Methods
We know there are numerous research methods. However, when it comes to ethical considerations, some key questions can help us find the right approach for our studies.
i. Which methods most effectively fit the aims of your research?
ii. What are the strengths and restrictions of a particular method?
iii. Are there potential risks when using a particular research method?
For more guidance, you can refer to the ESRC Framework for Research Ethics .
Ethical issues in research can arise at various stages of the research process and involve different aspects of the study. Here are some common examples of ethical issues in research:
Institutional Review Boards
The importance of ethics in research cannot be understated. Following ethical guidelines will ensure your study’s validity and promote its contribution to scientific study. On a personal level, you will strengthen your research and increase your opportunities to gain funding.
To address the need for ethical considerations, most institutions have their own Institutional Review Board (IRB). An IRB secures the safety of human participants and prevents violation of human rights. It reviews the research aims and methodologies to ensure ethical practices are followed. If a research design does not follow the set ethical guidelines, then the researcher will have to amend their study.
Applying for Ethical Approval
Applications for ethical approval will differ across institutions. Regardless, they focus on the benefits of your research and the risk to benefit ratio concerning participants. Therefore, you need to effectively address both in order to get ethical clearence.
Participants
It is vital that you make it clear that individuals are provided with sufficient information in order to make an informed decision on their participation. In addition, you need to demonstrate that the ethical issues of consent, risk of harm, and confidentiality are clearly defined.
Benefits of the Study
You need to prove to the panel that your work is essential and will yield results that contribute to the scientific community. For this, you should demonstrate the following:
i. The conduct of research guarantees the quality and integrity of results.
ii. The research will be properly distributed.
iii. The aims of the research are clear and the methodology is appropriate.
Integrity and transparency are vital in the research. Ethics committees expect you to share any actual or potential conflicts of interest that could affect your work. In addition, you have to be honest and transparent throughout the approval process and the research process.
The Dangers of Unethical Practices
There is a reason to follow ethical guidelines. Without these guidelines, our research will suffer. Moreover, more importantly, people could suffer.
The following are just two examples of infamous cases of unethical research practices that demonstrate the importance of adhering to ethical standards:
- The Stanford Prison Experiment (1971) aimed to investigate the psychological effects of power using the relationship between prisoners and prison officers. Those assigned the role of “prison officers” embraced measures that exposed “prisoners” to psychological and physical harm. In this case, there was voluntary participation. However, there was disregard for welfare of the participants.
- Recently, Chinese scientist He Jiankui announced his work on genetically edited babies . Over 100 Chinese scientists denounced this research, calling it “crazy” and “shocking and unacceptable.” This research shows a troubling attitude of “do first, debate later” and a disregard for the ethical concerns of manipulating the human body Wang Yuedan, a professor of immunology at Peking University, calls this “an ethics disaster for the world” and demands strict punishments for this type of ethics violation.
What are your experiences with research ethics? How have you developed an ethical approach to research design? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
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Ethical considerations in research: Best practices and examples
Doing responsible research means keeping ethics considerations front and center. Ethical practices not only safeguard research participant welfare but also ensures the integrity of your findings. By rigorously applying ethical principles throughout the research process, you not only enhance the methodological robustness of your study but also amplify its potential for meaningful societal impact.
But what does good ethics in research look like?
From best practices to conducting ethical and impactful research, we explore the meaning and importance of research ethics in modern-day research.
Examples of ethical considerations in research
As a researcher, you're responsible for ethical research alongside your organization. Fulfilling ethical guidelines is critical. Organizations must see to it that employees follow best practices to protect participants' rights and well-being.
Keep the below considerations in mind when it comes to ethical considerations in research.
Voluntary participation
Nobody should feel like they're being forced to participate or pressured into doing anything they don't want to. That means giving people a choice and the ability to opt out at any time, even if they've already agreed to take part in the study.
Researchers must clearly communicate this right to participants. It's necessary for creating an environment where people feel comfortable declining or withdrawing without fear of negative consequences.
Informed consent
Informed consent isn't just an ethical consideration. It's a legal requirement as well. Participants must fully understand what they're agreeing to, including potential risks and benefits.
The best way to go about this is by using a consent form. Make sure you include:
Brief description of the study and research methods
Provide a clear, concise overview of your research goals and how you'll conduct the study. Use simple language so participants understand the nature of their involvement and what they'll be asked to do.
Potential benefits and risks of participating
Outline any possible advantages or drawbacks of taking part in the study. Be honest about potential risks, no matter how small. You’ll allow participants to make an informed decision about their involvement.
Length of the study
Specify how long the study will take. If it involves multiple sessions, provide details on timing and frequency. It means participants will be able to plan their commitment and decide if they can fully engage.
Contact information for the researcher and/or sponsor
Include your name, institution, and contact details. If there's a study sponsor, provide their information too so participants can reach out with questions or concerns before, during, or after the study.
Participant's right to withdraw
Clearly state that participants can leave the study at any time without consequences. Emphasize that withdrawal won't affect their relationship with the researcher or institution to reinforce the voluntary nature of participation.
Cultural sensitivity
Consider cultural differences when conducting research across diverse populations. It will increase the chance that your study is respectful, inclusive, and produces valid results. Understanding cultural context, adapting research methods, and using appropriate language are central steps in this process.
Include team members from various cultural backgrounds on your research team. They can provide valuable insights and help interpret results within the appropriate cultural context. Be mindful of cultural practices that might affect participation, such as scheduling around religious observances or respecting dietary restrictions.
Prioritizing cultural sensitivity will help you conduct more ethical research and likely obtain more accurate, meaningful results from diverse populations. As a result, you can build trust with participants and enhance the overall quality and applicability of your research findings.
Anonymity means that participants aren't identifiable in any way and includes:
- Email address
- Photographs
- Video footage
You need a way to anonymize research data so that it can't be traced back to individual participants. This may involve creating a new digital ID for participants that can’t be linked back to their original identity using numerical codes.
Confidentiality
Information gathered during a study must be kept confidential. Confidentiality helps to protect the privacy of research participants and also ensures that their information isn't disclosed to unauthorized individuals.
Here are some ways to ensure confidentiality.
Use a secure server to store data
Store all research data on encrypted servers with strong access controls. Regularly update security measures to protect against potential breaches. Doing so safeguards participant information from unauthorized access or cyber threats.
Remove identifying information from databases
Create separate databases for participant identifiers and research data. Use coded identifiers to link the two, as it prevents direct association between sensitive data and individual participants.
Use a third-party company for data management
Consider partnering with specialized data management firms. They often have advanced security protocols and expertise in handling sensitive information, which can add an extra layer of protection for your research data.
Limit record retention periods
Establish clear timelines for data retention. Delete or destroy participant records once they're no longer needed for research purposes to reduce the risk of accidental disclosure or unauthorized access over time.
Avoid public discussion of findings
Be cautious when discussing research in public settings. Refrain from sharing specific details that could potentially identify participants. Focus on aggregate results and general insights to maintain confidentiality.
Conflict of interest
Researchers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence their study or its outcomes. Such transparency is important for maintaining the integrity and credibility of scientific research. Conflicts of interest can arise from financial relationships, personal connections, or professional affiliations.
Key considerations for managing conflicts of interest include:
- Full disclosure : Openly declare any potential conflicts in research proposals, publications, and presentations.
- Mitigation strategies : Develop plans to minimize the impact of conflicts on research conduct and outcomes.
- Independent review : Seek evaluation from unbiased third parties to ensure objectivity in research design and analysis.
Addressing conflicts of interest proactively means you can maintain public trust and uphold the ethical standards of their field.
Potential for harm
The potential for harm is a major factor in deciding whether a research study should proceed. It can manifest in various forms, such as:
Psychological harm
Research may unintentionally cause stress, anxiety, or emotional distress. Carefully consider the psychological impact of your study design, questions, or tasks. Provide support resources if needed.
Social harm
Some studies might affect participants' relationships or social standing, so think about potential stigma or social consequences. Guarantee confidentiality to minimize risks to participants' social well-being.
Physical harm
While rare in many fields, some studies involve physical risks. Assess all potential physical dangers thoroughly. Implement safety measures and have emergency protocols in place.
Research findings or participation could sometimes lead to legal issues for subjects. Be aware of legal implications. Protect participants from potential legal consequences through careful study design and data handling.
Conduct an ethical review to identify possible harms. Be prepared to explain how you’ll minimize these harms and what support is available in case they do happen.
Ethical use of technology
As research increasingly moves online and incorporates emerging technologies, new ethical challenges arise. Researchers must carefully consider the implications of using digital tools for data collection and analysis. This includes addressing concerns about privacy, data security, and the potential for unintended consequences.
Key considerations for the ethical use of technology in research include:
- Data protection: Implement robust security measures to safeguard participant information collected through digital platforms
- Informed consent: Clearly explain how technology will be used in the study and any potential risks associated with digital data collection
- Algorithmic bias: Be aware of and mitigate potential biases in AI-driven data analysis tools to ensure fair and accurate results
With these issues addressed, you can benefit from technology while upholding ethical standards and protecting participants' rights.
Fair payment
One of the most important aspects of setting up a research study is deciding on fair compensation for your participants. Underpayment is a common ethical issue that shouldn't be overlooked. Properly rewarding participants' time is necessary for boosting engagement and obtaining high-quality data. While Prolific requires a minimum payment of £6.00 / $8.00 per hour, there are other factors you need to consider when deciding on a fair payment.
Institutional guidelines and minimum wage
Check your institution's reimbursement guidelines to see if they already have a minimum or maximum hourly rate. You can also use the national minimum wage as a reference point.
Level of effort and task complexity
Think about the amount of work you're asking participants to do. The level of effort required for a task, such as producing a video recording versus a short survey, should correspond with the reward offered.
Target population considerations
You also need to consider the population you're targeting. You may need to offer more as an incentive to attract research subjects with specific characteristics or high-paying jobs,
We recommend a minimum payment of £9.00 / $12.00 per hour, but we understand that payment rates can vary depending on a range of factors. Whatever payment you choose should reflect the amount of effort participants are required to put in and be fair to everyone involved.
Ethical research made easy with Prolific
At Prolific, we believe in making ethical research easy and accessible. The findings from the Fairwork Cloudwork report speak for themselves. Prolific was given the top score out of all competitors for minimum standards of fair work.
With over 25,000 researchers in our community, we're leading the way in revolutionizing the research industry. If you're interested in learning more about how we can support your research journey, sign up free to get started now .
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