In your research proposal reviewers will be looking for evidence that you have positively considered the ethical implications of your proposed study and that your methodology meets the requirements for ethical research as described in the University "Code of Practice on Investigations on Human Beings". The code covers whether payment or some other inducement will be made to participants other than to cover expenses or time involved; the potential risk of physical or psychological harm or discomfort arising from research procedures; the arrangements for ensuring participants give informed consent (and parental consent in the case of child participants); access to information about participants from third parties; and procedures for adequate debriefing and for maintaining the confidentiality and anonymity of participants.

These ethical codes and guidelines are necessary because some social research practices can be highly questionable. Robson (1993, p.33) describes ten questionable practices in social research:

1. Involving people without their knowledge or consent
2. Coercing them to participate
3. Withholding information about the true nature of the research
4. Otherwise deceiving the participant
5. Inducing then to commit acts diminishing their self-esteem
6. Violating rights of self-determination (e.g. in studies seeking to promote individual change)
7. Exposing participants to physical and mental stress
8. Invading their privacy
9. Withholding benefits from some participants (e.g. in comparison groups)
10. Not treating participants fairly, or with consideration, or with respect.

Some of these 'questionable practices' arise from the efforts of researchers to produce results that are reliable and valid, usually within the experimental paradigm. Answers to whether a study or particular research practice is ethical or not, are not always clear cut and there may well be good arguments for and against a particular approach. Whilst, in general, it is better to avoid 'questionable practices', if you feel part of your proposed methodology is necessary but may be open to ethical questions be sure to discuss this with a supervisor prior to submission of your proposal.

In addition to meeting the University requirements for ethical practice your research may require clearance within your own agency or a partner agency if one is involved. You are strongly recommended to enquire about and to meet any ethical requirements of agencies before submitting your proposal - in some agencies this may be a time consuming process so plan ahead. Your proposal should indicate that it has satisfied the ethical requirements of any relevant agencies.

Additional resources

Qualidata. (2002). Further Reading and Links to Professional Ethical Guidelines. Retrieved 13th November, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.qualidata.essex.ac.uk/creatingData/furtherreading.asp

The Social Research Association. (2002). Research Guidelines. Retrieved 13th November, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.the-sra.org.uk/ethics02.pdf

Grinyer, A. (2002). The Anonymity of Research Participants: Assumptions, Ethics and Practicalities. Social Research Update. No. 36. Retrieved 13th November, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.soc.surrey.ac.uk/sru/SRU36.html

Informed consent
http://sophia.smith.edu/~jdrisko/consent.htm