In a paper titled “Ethics, Reflexivity, and “Ethically Important Moments” in Research”, Guillemin and Gillam (2004) discusse the importance of ethics while undertaking research and how researchers handle ethical problems that come up in the practice of research. The authors question whether there are conceptual structures that they can use to help them. The authors point out to the vast divide between procedural ethics and “ethics in practice” (Guillemin & Gillam, 2004). Although procedural ethics cannot adequately control and guide all aspects of research, it is critical to making researchers reflect on the basic principles that govern research ethics. Besides, it informs researchers of the need to be both aware and active in protecting research participants (and the researchers themselves) from harm and unnecessary risks, in addition to giving respect for independence of all subjects. To address the shortcomings of procedural ethics, the authors propose the adoption of reflexivity in all research practices. A reflexive approach in an ethical context entails acknowledging and being sensitive to the microethical elements of research practice. In doing so, researchers will become alert and prepared to handle any ethical issues arising out of the study.
Respect for persons is critical to incorporating ethics in any research practice. This principle states that human beings are free and responsible and should be treated as such in all situations. A person’s rights and autonomy must be considered in any research process. Consequently, a respect for persons approach must be reflected through informed consent of research participants. This entails appreciating and understanding the facts, implications, and future consequences of the research practice. Beneficence entails engaging in actions that enhance the wellbeing of research participants, that is, researchers must always strive to engage only in good deeds in all research practices. Even if information used in the research is based on informed consent, the researcher must consider its impact on the participants. Finally, justice is a central concept of any research design and practice and entails the researcher having a duty to the research participants in appreciating their efforts to partake in the study. Related to beneficence, the principle dictates that even if the information is based on informed consent, the researcher must consider its implication on the participants and the society at large.
References
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Guillemin, M. and Gillam, L. (2004). Ethics, Reflexivity, and “Ethically Important Moments” in Research. Qualitative Inquiry, vol. 10 no. 2: 261-280.
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