HND Social Science

Research Issues

Approaches to ethics & Social Research

Deontological approaches to morality are associated with the work of Immanuel Kant (1724-1804). Put simply, ethical judgements in social research from this point of view, follow a set of principles which guide the conduct of the research itself. Research ethics take on a universal form and are intended to be followed regardless of the place and circumstances in which the researcher finds themselves.

One such doctrine is that of informed consent. This refers to a freely given agreement on the part of the researched to become a part of the research process. However this is not only based on a complete understanding of the aims and processes of the research itself, but also may assume to include any consequences that follow from its publication in the public domain. A researcher might, and in many cases ought, to take all possible steps to protect the identity of any person in anticipation of any information being used for purposes other than those intended.

That noted, practical problems could arise in these circumstances. Take, for example research on the Internet. Not only do the bounds between the public and private aspects of life have the potential to become somewhat blurred, but also in seeking consent from respondents from whom should it be obtained? When a group is ‘virtual’ and subject to routine changes in its composition this creates problem for those seeking to follow such a doctrine. In addition, while individual researchers may seek to disguise the identities of respondents, can they reasonably guarantee this outcome when much of what they do is beyond their individual control ?

At the same time the actions they observe or accounts they receive may themselves transgress laws, morals or ethical codes.

We should note that an observance of formal ethical requirements may operate to exclude certain groups. For instance in the case of interviews with those under 18, parental consent may be required. As such barriers are imposed by adults that may prevent the voices of young people being heard. In this case as long as the research is respectful of the interests of the group , the research might be justified without formal parental consent. ( Alderson 1999)

With these scenarios in mind, consequentialism is not so concerned with following a set of inviolate rules, but with the situation in which researchers may find themselves and with the consequences of their acts.

According to this view a set of doctrinal rules for the conduct of social research does not take account of context. Thus the British Sociological Association code of ethics states : ‘ Guarantees of confidentiality and anonymity given to research participants must be honoured, unless there are clear and overriding reasons to do otherwise’ (1996, emphasis added)

An argument might also be made that sticking to a deontological ethical code may entail undue restrictions on the researchers activities and creativity, as well as preventing the representation of marginalized voices. In this sense action may be justified if it prevents harm or offence to a person. The dilemmas that the researcher faces are therefore not so different from those we face in everyday life . The difference is that those with whom the researcher interacts are not normally intimate friends, For some it follows that ‘ Since they are not intimates, we are under less social obligations to keep secrets about them, And we can deal with almost all our problems of privacy by maintaining the anonymity of the people we write about’ ( Douglas 1979)

Douglas does not rule out those who believe in professional ethics, simply those who believe that ethical rules of research must be applied rigorously in all settings. In particular, he notes that the development of professional ethics provides something of a safeguard against encroachments on freedom of speech and research ( Douglas 1972)

They also sevre to remind about their obligations in the conduct of their work. Equally , however their existence may prevent discussions concerning ethical issues and lead the researcher to believe that simple adherence to the code discharges them from having moral responsibility for the consequences of their work ( Homan 1991)

Overall rigid and inflexible sets of ethical rules for social research (deontology) could leave us with undesirable consequences. Going so far down this road might lead to the situation where ‘the only safe way to avoid violating the principles of professional ethics is to refrain from doing social research altogether’ ( J Barnes 1979)

On the other hand a loose and flexible system where ‘anything goes’ so easily opens the door to the unscrupulous to those who ; to those who regard such considerations as a luxury or irrelevance in the face of the self interested pursuit of ends. As a result they are those who feel that both sides have their strengths and weaknesses (Plummer 1990) If research, is to be viewed as a credible endeavour, then perhaps the relations which are established with all those party to the research must use some ethical basis which provides guidelines for, but not simply constraints on the researcher?

With the huge growth in information technology and the potential for a routine invasion of peoples privacy, it becomes more likely that they may refuse to co-operate with research. Despite this people may also be unaware of how their behaviour is routinely monitored by information technology (se Lyon 2001) The formulation and adherence to a set of ethical guidelines then enable the researcher to continually reflect on the expectations which make of people and their relationships with those party to research . As well as form part of public discussion about the acceptability of new forms of knowledge acquisition

This may not only help prevent social research become a mouthpiece of powerful vested interests, but also assists in maintaining public cooperation and trust in social research ( Bulmer 1979)

Here, the ‘internalist’ concept of ethics comes into play. The ways in which a centre or department concerned with the production of social research conducts itself, including how it treats its members of staff and discusses its ideas in an open and inquiring manner, is a fundamental part of the research processes itself.

Groupwork; explain the strengths and weaknesses of both the deontological and the consequentialist approaches to research ethics. State which approach your group thinks social researchers should use; give reasons for your choice.