Ethics in research – Christine Bothma

An important part of research is ethics and theoretical and practical workshops were given which emphasised for me that the subject of ethics is not straightforward. Neuroethics is something I need to become familiar with as not only does my research need to follow basic ethical precepts, but also neuroethics needs to be taken into consideration as neuroscientific research has its own challenges.

On a philosophical note, I would say that something is good (in a moral sense) when it complies with the values of the society/environment in which it occurs. As we live in a world governed by specific academic rules and institutions, ethics not only have a moral obligation but also a humanitarian obligation.

The main responsibility of the researcher is to the participant who has …

The right not to be harmed. Potential harm should be pre-empted. The researcher should be mindful of participants’ verbal and non-verbal cues. The researcher should never promise anything to participant.
Right to self-determination and informed consent. The participant has the right to know the purpose of study and its general value, all procedures to be used and why they are being used and how much research time and energy is required from the participant
The right not to experience pain/distress/loss of autonomy. Privacy and anonymity must be retained and the manner in which data is used must be explained
Right to maintain self-respect and dignity. The researcher should never be judgemental. Subjects’ statements must be accepted as truth. Mind personal questions and respond humanely to subjects’ emotionality
Right to withdraw from participation

The relationship between the researcher and the participant should contain the following:

Emotional tone – feelings between parties related to trust must be established.
Power differential. Distribution of power in qualitative research should be taken cognisance of by the researcher.
Dual relationships are to be avoided (eg. Do not become therapist and researcher at the same time)
The researcher should show heightened moral concerns for subjects
State goal (researcher or therapist) and remind participant of this
Importance of interaction. Don’t show disinterest. Reassure subject that nothing is wrong. No right or wrong
Rapport is enhanced when sensitive to cultural norms
Development of friendships
Misrepresentation should be avoided
Building of mutual identification and feeling of community. Give back attentive listening. Acknowledge their time and be grateful but don’t promise anything that you cant deliver.
The researcher should be aware of their prejudices
Acceptance and tolerance. How does the researcher maintain own community standards?
Accepting the feelings rather than the behaviour. Guard against clichés.
Relational ethics – effects of particular ethics in particular context. Sensitive to own ethical voice. Relational ethics combines ethics and relationships. Codes and rules inform but don’t dictate. Reflection is important. Helpful to write personal mission statement. Constant questioning and personal responsibility.