Sociological Methods: Ethical Factors Influencing Choice of

Methods

Introduction to Ethical Issues

Ethical Issues

Ethics refers to moral issues of right & wrong.

Sociologists aim to be ethical in the way they study people.

British Sociological Association (BSA) set out guidelines on how sociologist should conduct their research ethically.

The BSA have five guidelines which we will now examine.

I. Informed Consent

Informed Consent

People being studied (Research Participants) should have the right to refuse.

Participants should be fully informed about the study.

Consent must be obtained before research begins; if it is a very long study, periodic consent should be requested throughout.

II. Confidentiality & Privacy

Confidentiality & Privacy

Identities of participants should remain private.

Researchers need to respect the privacy of the participants-- guarding their private details and their contribution to the study should remain confidential at all times.

III. Effects on Research Participant

Effects on Research Participant

Researchers must be aware that research conducted may affect participants in a negative way.

Examples of negative effects:

Police intervention

Harm to employment prospects

Social exclusion

Psychological damage

Researchers must try to anticipate & prevent such occurrences

IV. Vulnerable Groups

Vulnerable Groups

Include those who are vulnerable because of their age (very young/old), disability or physical/mental health issues.

Example: Children in schools.

Researchers must be mindful of child protection acts.

Obtain consent from both parent and child.

Researcher should use understandable language.

V. Covert Research

Covert Research

Where researcher's identity & research purpose are hidden from those they wish to study.

Creates serious ethical issues-- seen as deceiving or lying in order to win/gain their trust or get information.

Researcher obviously cannot gain informed consent if they are doing covert research.

Check Your Learning

Identify two ethical issues that sociologist may face in studying people.

Give examples and explain your answer fully.

Activity: Research Task

Go to BSA's website and follow their link to their statement of Ethical Practice.

In the statement, find all the examples of where it is okay to ignore the ethical principles listed above.

Write down the examples and bring them to class. They will be used next lesson, so you will need them.

Bye! See you next lesson!