Ruth’s Sociology Resources Blog

Something which we need to consider whenever we think about doing social research is the issue of ethics. Ethics refers to moral considerations.Although sociologists examine society’s values and may even try and distance themselves from values in order to be objective, it is still necessary to think about moral considerations. This will include asking yourself questions such as:

• Would society see this research as “right” and justifiable?
• Is the subject of your research socially sensitive?
• Might your research harm someone?
• Might your research affect the situation you are studying?

If moral considerations are not taken into account when research is carried out, then it is possible that people and communities may be harmed and also that it may be made very difficult for other sociologists to carry out research on a similar topic in future.

Ethical guidelines for social researchers include the following:

• Research must not affect the well-being of the participants
• As far as possible informed consent should be gained from those to be studied
• Researchers must be aware of the possible consequences of their research
  

• how it may affect the lives and situations of those studied

• Special care must be taken when studying groups/individuals who are vulnerable, for exmple because of their age, social status, or powerlessness
• Anonymity and privacy of participants in research must be respected

One thing which it is important to think about when carrying out research is the appropriateness of the research with regard to the setting in which it is carried out, the ages of those you are studying and your own situation. For example, it is questionable whether it would be ethically justifiable for you as a seventeen year old, to investigate underage sex by interviewing thirteen year olds at a school.

Ethical Issues Scenarios - Consider the issues yourself!