Ethics in Research

Ethics in Research

In research, the researcher usually strives to look out for new information. Research must be carried out in a systematic and organised manner which is consistent with the generally accepted values, norms or ethics of research.

Some of the major ethical principles in research are as follows:

• Honesty
• Objectivity
• Integrity
• Care
• Openness
• Confidentiality
• Respect intellectual property rights, patents, and other types of intellectual property
• Responsible mentoring
• Non-discrimination
• Transparency
• Accountability
• Justice
• Respect for privacy
• Respect law and comply with all the applicable laws and policies

Some of the most important research ethics that must be adhered to by the researcher include:

• To respect human dignity
  
  
• To protect individual participants
  
  
• To respect the autonomy, integrity and freedom of participants
  
  
• To ensure that research is conducted in a way that meets the needs of individuals
  
  
• To provide sufficient information to research participants with respect to the following:
  
  
  • Field of research
  • Purpose of research
  • Sponsor of the project
  • Who will receive access to research information and findings
  • What is the intended use of the research results
  • What are the consequences of participation in the research project
    
    
• To not engage in research without the consent of participants
  
  
• To maintain secrecy and security of the personal data of participants
  
  
• To store personal data of participants safely
  
  
• To carefully consider the impact of research and its findings on third-parties
  
  
• To respect and value the opinion of others
  
  
• To act cautiously when carrying out research related to deceased persons
  
  
• To maintain respect for groups, institutions and public administration
  
  
• To respect and acknowledge the contributions of co-authors

Basic ethical principles are also to be followed in research when dealing with topics such as the following:

• Design and implementation of research involving experiments on humans, and animals.
  
  
• Ensuring that frauds, misconduct, embezzlement of funds, cheating, etc. does not take place.
  
  
• Ensure safety of whistleblowers

Several professional institutions, government agencies, universities, etc. have adopted specific codes, regulations and policies regarding conduct of research. For example, The US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) have a code of conduct for researchers. Researchers should refrain from engaging in activities that are generally considered as immoral.

For instance, researchers should not:

• Publish the same research report in different journals without telling the editors
  
  
• Hide information from the participants
  
  
• Forget to include the co-researchers as writers
  
  
• Use wrong mathematical process to enhance the value of your research
  
  
• Skip the peer review process and announce your results through a press conference without giving your peers enough information to review your work
  
  
• Fail to maintain good research records
  
  
• Fail to keep research data in a timely manner
  
  
• Make derogatory comments and personal attacks on reviews of the author’s post
  
  
• Promise the learner a better level of sexual performance

Managers and Research

During their work, researchers are required to deal with multiple people and managers. In such a case, the managers must co-operate effectively with the research team. It is also important that the managers and research team consult and define the roles of investigators and managers clearly.

The managers must inform the research team what kind of information can be given to them and what information cannot be given. At times, research may require information that contains the personal details of employees and trade secrets. A manager can easily predict what kind of information a researcher might need while conducting his research.

Apart from this, the manager must also ensure that there is coherence between the administrative pricing system and the coordinator. Research information helps the manager identify and clearly set out an organisation’s most popular standards, so that there are no surprises down the road. This exchange of information also helps to increase the level of relationship and trust between the two parties, enabling them to work together more effectively.

During the appointment of researchers, the managers need to take care of the following:

• Ensure that organisational philosophy and organisational values are clearly stated and restricted, if any
  
  
• Good relations are established among the organisation’s staff and research team