Good Research Ethics
G.Anand; lecturer in Physics: Maharajah’s College(A) ; Vizianagaram
A.Pravallika; Lecturer in English; M.R.Degree College(Fort): Vizianagaram
ABSTRACT:
In this paper I discussed about research ethics and main challenges in research ethics. Ethics is the word that refers to morals, values and beliefs of the individuals, family or the society.Research ethics are a set of principles about how researcher and research organizations should conduct themselves when dealing with research participants, other researchers, colleagues, the users of their research and society in general.Research ethics is one of the factors that contribute to the quality of a good research.The main challenges in research ethics is the conflicts of interest between the researcher and the researched.
Key words: research ethics, morals, values, principles, quality of good research, challenges in research ethics
INTRODUCTION
Research is a patient study and investigation to establish facts or principles. It is a discovery (rediscovery), from known facts to the unknown facts. Research is progressive.
According to Grinnel “research is a structured inquiry that utilizes acceptable scientific methodology to solve problems and creates new knowledge that is generally applicable”.
Redman and Morry stated as “research is a careful and systematized effort of gaining new knowledge”.
Research involves a systematic process of finding solution to the problem that is expected to result in advancing knowledge to the society regarding the study under investigation.
A researcher is one who conducts research i.e, an organized and systematic investigation into something. Scientists are often described as researchers. Skills required by researcher including problem solving, analysis, critical thinking and dissemination.
Research ethics
Ethics is the word that refers to morals, values and beliefs of the individuals, family or the society.
Research ethics are a set of principles about how researcher and research organizations should conduct themselves when dealing with research participants, other researchers, colleagues, the users of their research and society in general.
Ethics in research include a diverse set of values, norms and institutional regulations that help constitute and regulate scientific activity. Research ethics is one of the factors that contribute to the quality of a good research.
The main challenges in research ethics is the conflicts of interest between the researcher and the researched. The researcher may be excited about his research, and he is in need of collecting in-depth high quality data from those most closely affected by the matter undergoing research. However, there is risk that the researcher may be tempted to consider unethical research practice in order to obtain some of the data.
Research ethics are applied in every stage of the research including problem, definition, stating research objectives, hypothesis, literature review, choice of research design, questionnaire design, data editing and cleaning, choice of statistical methods, data analysis, conclusions and recommendations and even referencing.
The ethical issues that a researcher needs to consider:
Informed Consent:
Informed consent is one of the founding principles of research ethics. Its intent is that human participants can enter research freely (voluntarily) with full information about what it means for them to take part, and that they give consent before they enter the research. Consent should be obtained before the participant enters the research.
No pressure on individuals to participate:
A researcher should not put pressure on individuals to participate in the research process. Incentives should not be used to the individuals who do not want to participate, if an incentive is used it needs to be only a token, and not enough to encourage someone to participate who would really prefer not to take part.
Respecting individuals autonomy:
Autonomy means that a person can make his or her own decisions about what to do and what to agree to. Researcher must respect that individuals should make their own informed decisions about whether to participate in research.
Taking particular care in research with vulnerable groups:
Care is clearly needed in research on vulnerable group such as young children and with people who are ill. Vulnerability may also be on other context like students; employs; dependents or people with particular traits that could be subject to prejudice.
Avoid causing harm:
Researcher need to avoid any matter that will result in causing physical or emotional harm to his subjects. Matters such as being careful on word sensitiveness and difficult questions during an interview. Using wrong words or wrong questions may even result to conflict between the participants and researcher.
Objectivity vs Subjectivity:
Objectivity vs subjectivity in the research is an important consideration. Researcher need to be sure of his own personal biases and opinions and not get in the way of the research. He needs to give both sides fair considerations.
Not taking advantage of easy access groups:
When doing a research a researcher need not to take advantage ofeasy-access groups of people such as children simply because they are easy to access but rather choosing subjects basing on what would most benefit the research.
Openness:
A researcher need to be open and honesty. He must share data, results, ideas, tools resourses used in a research as well as to open to criticism and new idea
