RESEARCH DEFINITION & ETHICS

research

comes from the word “recherche” which means “to travel through and to survey

UNESCO (1962)

defined research as the orderly investigation of a subject matter to add knowledge

KERLINGER (1973)

defined research as a systematic, empirical, and critical investigation of a hypothetical preposition

WIERSMA (1991)

defined research as a careful, systematic, reliable, and valid investigation

LEEDY (1997)

defined research as a systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to increase understanding of the phenomenon

ethics

norms or standards that help in distinguishing right or wrong (acceptable or unacceptable)

ethical principles

guidelines for responsible conduct of research. it also ensures a high ethical standard

belmont’s report

basis for ethical guidelines, summarizes the many ethical standards

respect for persons

people should be treated as autonomous (people who can make their own decisions). people with diminished autonomy should be protected (people who cant make their own decisions, like young children, very ill people, people with mental disabilities)

consent

legally valid agreement (when dealing with adults)

asent

affirmative agreement (when dealing with children/minors)

Beneficence

 do no harm

Justice

should consider what is fair in terms of recruitment of participants and choice of location

honesty and integrity

always present data honestly, avoid plagiarism, be transparent

respect for participants

respect people involved with kindness and gentleness, dont force them to participate in your research

confidentiality

keep sensitive data a secret, dont share with anyone who isnt part of the research group

non-exploitation

avoid using others for your own gain, recognize the people who contributed (acknowlegements)

objectivity

keep your research impartial and neutral, no bias in questions, avoid putting your feelings or opinions

responsibility to society

make sure your research will benefit the society, for the greater good

accountability

you are responsible for your research and whatever happens to it, whether good or bad

avoiding harm

in anything that we do, make sure it does not cause harm, consider potential risks before beginning