Ethics when reporting findings

FAIR

F - Fabrication/Misrepresentation of Data

A - Anonymity

I - Inform Participants Beforehand

R - Right to Withdraw

Fabrication (making up)/Misrepresentation of Data (allowing biases to impact results)

• Addressed via:

  • Awareness of researchers' own biases and expectations (reflexivity) which could skew the findings and influence the relevance of the findings

• Who funded the research and what were their motivation?

• Striving for objectivity - minimizing biases and ensuring that research findings are based on observable data and evidence

Anonymity (How much information is needed to show an awareness of the population but to also preserve anonymity?)

• Raw data could be shared with an independent researcher 9ethically and responsibly)

  • E.g. anonymizing names/identifying information

• Researcher should consider any other factors that may facilitate identification when the findings are reported

• This is especially pertinent if there is a risk of stigma or discrimination resulting from participation

Inform participants beforehand

• Participants should understand why the research is being undertaken and how the findings may be used

• Additionally, participants should be aware where it will be published/reported

Right to Withdraw

At the end of the research, participants should be reminded of their right to withdraw data prior to reporting the findings