Ethics = a set of rules or beliefs showing you what is right and what is wrong Ethical behaviour = good behaviour, doing the "right" thing Ethical considerations = things you have to think about carefully and make sure you're doing the right thing
In your research project you will need to think about ethics:
Consider carefully who you want to/ need to work with:
You
Your teacher
Experts
Interviewees (the people you will interview)
Survey recipients (the people you will survey)
Action research participants
Other?
Your safety
Choosing a topic that will not harm yourself or others
Being careful about safe communication, especially with strangers
Locations for interviews (Appropriate public place)
Strategies to escape unsafe situations
Ownership
Respecting Copyright
Acknowledging sources through accurate referencing
Avoiding plagiarism through referencing, quoting & paraphrasing
Considerations about using, showing, analysing and publishing art
General harm
Avoiding topics that are painful or dangerous
Considering how your actions, questions and language may affect others
Considering, recognising and sidelining your own biases
Avoiding discriminatory actions, questions or language
You cannot participate in or promote illegal or irresponsible activities
Example: You can't discuss dangerous social media trends with young people who might decide to try it themselves!
Seeking informed consent
Seeking permission
Outlining intentions
Before starting
Full explanation (in a way people can understand)
Permission from everyone involved
Informing participants of their right to "opt out" (say no)
Seeking explicit consent before recording
Example: Sending your interview questions to the person you want to interview beforehand, letting them know they can decline to answer (not answer)
Cultural sensitivities
How do you communicate?
Greetings?
Polite behaviour?
Being aware of, and not using, discriminatory language
Meeting/speaking to a stranger of the opposite gender alone
Touch
Dress/ clothing
Religion/ religious issues
Ability to discuss secret cultural issues
Example: You cannot ask what Aboriginal "Secret Women's Business" is, because it's a secret. That knowledge is not meant for outsiders.
Privacy & anonymity
Lack of access to private data
Allowing sources to be anonymous (discuss with your teacher before promising anything)
Example: Medical staff and centres will not be able to discuss private patient information with you due to legal patient confidentiality. Same with educators, lawyers, aged care, child care, etc.