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examBoard: Cambridge
examType: IGCSE
lessonTitle: Ethical issues affecting research - deception, prevention of harm, legality
When sociologists investigate society, they must navigate a complex web of ethical considerations. Ethics are the moral principles that guide researchers' behaviour and decisions throughout the research process. These principles help ensure that research is conducted responsibly and that participants are treated with respect and dignity.
Key Definitions:
Ethical considerations aren't just bureaucratic hurdles they protect both participants and researchers. Without ethical guidelines, research could harm vulnerable people, damage public trust in sociology and lead to legal consequences for researchers.
Deception occurs when researchers deliberately mislead participants about the true nature or purpose of their research. While sometimes seen as necessary, deception raises serious ethical concerns.
Researchers might use deception when:
Deception can:
In 1963, Stanley Milgram told participants they were delivering electric shocks to another person as part of a learning experiment. In reality, no shocks were given and the "learner" was an actor. Participants weren't told the true purpose studying obedience to authority. Many participants experienced severe distress believing they had harmed someone. This famous study raised serious questions about deception in research.
If deception is considered necessary, researchers should:
A fundamental ethical principle in sociological research is to avoid causing harm to participants. This includes physical, psychological, social and economic harm.
Researchers must ensure participants aren't exposed to dangerous situations or physical risks. This is rarely an issue in sociology but must always be considered.
Research shouldn't cause distress, anxiety, embarrassment, or trauma. Topics like crime victimisation or family problems require careful handling.
Research shouldn't damage participants' relationships, reputation, or standing in their community. Confidentiality is crucial to prevent social harm.
Sociologists use several approaches to protect participants:
In the 1960s, Laud Humphreys observed men engaging in homosexual acts in public toilets without their knowledge or consent. He then traced their car licence plates to find their addresses and interviewed them at home under false pretences. This research risked serious social harm to participants, who could have faced criminal charges, job loss, or family breakdown if identified. Modern ethical standards would prohibit such methods.
Sociological research must comply with various laws that protect individuals and their data. Breaking these laws can lead to serious consequences for researchers and their institutions.
Researchers must:
Researchers cannot:
Sociologists often face difficult choices between gathering valuable data and maintaining ethical standards. This tension is at the heart of research ethics.
When planning research, sociologists should ask:
The BSA provides ethical guidelines for UK sociologists. These emphasise that researchers should:
These guidelines help sociologists navigate ethical dilemmas in their research.
Conducting ethical sociological research isn't just about following rules it's about respecting human dignity and rights while pursuing knowledge. Good researchers consider ethics at every stage of their work, from planning to publication.
Remember that ethical considerations aren't static. As society changes, so do our understandings of what constitutes ethical research. What was acceptable in the past (like Milgram's study) might be considered unethical today.
By carefully considering issues of deception, harm prevention and legality, sociologists can conduct research that both advances our understanding of society and treats participants with the respect they deserve.
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