Good Essay On Ethical Issues In Research Projects

Research in social science has often been concerned with issues relating to ethics. Ethical issues have become an important component in social research. Technically, social sciences investigate the intricate issues that involve cultural, economic, legal as well as political phenomena. As a result of the complexities involved, the research in social science should, therefore, associate itself with moral integrity so as to ensure that the research processes and the findings are valid and trustworthy. This research should show respect for ethical issues surrounding the subject matter. It is crucial for social researchers to consider ethical clearance while dealing with the human subjects.
Ethical issues the students might face involve beginning the research projects as means of exploring personal topics. Using the research as therapeutic actions tends influence the direction with which the research takes. Therefore, being open minded would prevent such an issue from happening. Approaching the research project without good background on the safety precautions in the course of the research is yet another ethical issue to be tackled. A researcher should, therefore, collect enough background information concerning the project.
Confidentiality is a very important ethical aspect. Confidentiality might become a problem especially when the students use their family members and friends as research subjects. The students ensure that the information provided by the human subjects is strictly confidential. The names of the human subjects should not appear in the questionnaires, in any written materials or discussions about the research project as this would be a violation of their rights to confidentiality. The questionnaires would have identification numbers only known by the principal investigators.
The researchers are just like any other human. Chances of bringing personal feelings, emotions, likes and dislikes as well as values into the research project is high. In case the researchers dislike those whom they are researching, they should always bear in mind that they initiated the process. Therefore, they should be as neutral as possible and also fair when dealing the research subjects.