1. An introduction to research ethics
Nick Smith, Department of Planning and Architecture
This is the most common way of defining "ethics": norms for conduct that distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behavior.
Although most people acquire their sense of right and wrong during childhood, moral development occurs throughout life and human beings pass through different stages of growth as they mature.
All people recognize some common ethical norms but different individuals interpret, apply, and balance these norms in different ways in light of their own values and life experiences.
Many different disciplines, institutions, and professions have norms for behavior that suit their particular aims and goals. These norms also help members of the discipline to coordinate their actions or activities and to establish the public's trust of the discipline.

2. Ethics?
An ‘ethic’ is a moral principle or a code of conduct which … governs what people do. It is concerned with the way people act or behave. The term ‘ethics’ usually refers to the moral principles, guiding conduct, which are held by a group or even a profession (though there is no logical reason why individuals should not have their own ethical code)”
Wellington, 2000, page 54.
Formalized procedures- now ethical guidelines, research contracts, codes of practice and protocols

3. Ethics?
“In general terms the main requirement of research in ethical terms is that it should, as far as possible, do good without doing harm”
“It is important that ethical issues are considered at the outset, and taken into account in the design of the research, when there is time to modify the design to deal with possible problems”
Faculty of Environment and Technology, Ethical Review Guidance Notes
Most of the principles are fairly obvious- i.e. not making research up or stealing findings from elsewhere. However, some can be overlooked once you get underway or when you are under pressure, completing your final dissertation.
Your dissertation tutor can help provide some guidance, as can the faculty’s research ethics committee if particular issues are anticipated. However, responsibility lies ultimately with the individual researcher.

4. Primary sources
A primary source is one that contains first-hand information about a topic. Examples include:
interviews, surveys and fieldwork
sets of data, such as census statistics
site observations
diaries
proceedings of meetings, conferences and symposia.
technical reports
autobiographies
letters and correspondence
speeches
internet communications on

5. Secondary sources
A secondary source offers an interpretation of information gathered from primary sources. Examples include:
commentaries
works of criticism and interpretation
review articles and literature reviews
newspaper and popular magazine articles (may also be primary)
journal articles, particularly in disciplines other than science (may also be primary)

6. Ethical issues?
Conducting a survey at Cabot Circus......

7. Participants must be properly informed about the purposes, methods and intended possible uses of the research.
There are six guiding principles…
Participants must be properly informed about the purposes, methods and intended possible uses of the research 1
Respondents should be told about:
The purpose of the research
How the research is being conducted
How will the research be used, how will your findings be disseminated?
Do you perceive there to be any risks from them taking part?
This information should be provided in written form, via a brief , briefing note, or letter prior to the main contact being made. They should be allowed to read and digest your summary before being asked whether they are prepared to help or not.
If you are proposing some kind of interview/discussion then you will need to ask possible participants:
How much time they can spare with you?
The format which would be most convenient for them (face to face, telephone-based, or via some kind of written questionnaire)?
Whether they are happy for you to audio-record their interview or take notes?
If their views and opinions need to be treated anonymously?
Whether they would like to see transcripts of your interview with them/final outputs of work (i.e. written accounts will need to be accurate)?
If you are proposing some kind of questionnaire you will need to:
State clearly whether completed forms will be anonymous or not, i.e. will you be able to identify who has completed the form?
Explain that certain questions can be left unanswered if so desired
Ensure that answers are taken together- don’t just focus on one headline rather than the wider context
If you are using secondary data:
Ensure that you are interpreting the details accurately
Recognise the source and its method of collection (plus any limitations)
Is the data publicly available? Will permission be needed if it is to be used?

8. Participants should give their consent: they should participate in a voluntary way, free from any coercion.
Participants must be properly informed about the purposes, methods and intended possible uses of the research 2
With these basic details of your research, participants should be able to take a view as to whether they are happy to participate or not.
The sooner you identify your contacts, and get their consent, the better- don’t leave it too late or hassle them if you do not hear back too soon.
Your initial note should make it clear that participants can withdraw their consent at any time (the process for doing this should be explained), and that they can choose what they want to help you with (i.e. there may be something or certain questions that they might be uncomfortable in answering). But think about what you are to ask them- don’t embarrass them!
It may be difficult to gain everyone’s consent when your research involves investigating public environments, i.e. you will be unable to ask everyone’s permission if you are taking a photograph of a public square, or counting the number of pedestrians walking by. However, take precautions when you think an issue could arise- it might be necessary to inform police, wardens, shop owners, receptionists etc of what you are doing. Have some paperwork and ID with you to explain your purpose if you are approached and interrogated. Having contact details for your tutor, parent/carer, friend might be useful! Stay in contact and take a fully charged phone.
Special consideration should be given to those individuals or groups who might be considered vulnerable or unable to give consent individually- such as children, the very elderly, less able people, homeless people etc. A criminal records check might be necessary if your work involves children.
Note paragraph 7.3 of the module guide that refers to the Department of Health’s Research Governance Framework- applies to all research which involves coming into contact with, or information about, personnel connected to the NHS such as staff, patients, service users etc
This initial information should also include appropriate details about you, i.e. your course, appropriate contact details (remember to think what you are giving out)

9. Harm to participants, you and the wider environment, must be avoided.3
Likely to be more obvious in the fields of medical or physical research but still needs to be considered.
Classic health and safety concerns- avoiding visiting sites alone, taking care when on site or taking measurements (such as by roads), causing people to become distracted etc
When sending information out, be careful about revealing certain personal details- do you want to give out your personal mobile number or address (you could set up a dedicated account purely for the research). If undertaking interviews, always meet in public and crowded areas during the normal working day, and tell people where you are going and who you are to meet. Tell them when you arrive, tell them when you leave. Door to door surveys are best avoided unless you know the neighbourhood well- think of other channels (e.g. speaking to local community reps, councillors). This kind of survey would be best discussed with your supervisor should it be something that you are considering.

10. The confidentiality of information supplied by research subjects, and the anonymity of respondents, must be respected.
Participants must be properly informed about the purposes, methods and intended possible uses of the research 4
Information should be stored securely- think about the consequences if your memory stick is lost. Will you embarrass yourself or (perhaps more importantly) your respondents?
Stick to your promises about how the research will be used, its purpose and how you are to treat your respondents. Remember, just because they are happy to be named, doesn’t necessarily mean their organisation is- check this out!
To what extent can you really ensure anonymity? Would their colleagues/host organisations be able to guess that it was them who participated? Again, consider the implications if they are revealed- could they be subject to disciplinary measures, will it cause problems at home etc

11. The independence of research must be maintained, and any potential sources of conflict of interest or partiality must be made explicit.
Participants must be properly informed about the purposes, methods and intended possible uses of the research 5
Perhaps more of a problem where the research is funded but consider possible conflicts early on

12. Research must be designed and carried out to the best possible standards of quality, honesty and integrity.
Participants must be properly informed about the purposes, methods and intended possible uses of the research 6
I.e. This has to be your best possible work! Given the time and support that you will receive from your supervisor, friends, family etc in getting the research together it is only right that you give it the best possible shot. Remember that if you have promised copies of your work to those who have provided information or given you their views and opinions, then this must be followed through. In providing this work it is obviously important that you provide the best possible impression of yourself, your profession, your university etc.
You have to be sure that you have employed the best possible techniques and methodologies in your research (appropriate to the time and resources you have available) and have analysed this material to the best of your ability- only by doing so can you be honest and say that you’ve offered your best possible effort.
As an aside, in addition to your research methods being appropriate, they must also not be exclusionary- i.e. if you propose some kind of survey this should not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sexuality, religion etc
Linked to this, make sure your findings and conclusions are suitably sound- don’t jump to light weight conclusions. Its safer to set out certain caveats to your work, identifying areas where you might want to more pursue as additional study.

13. Following good practice
It is wrong
to copy someone else’s work
not to acknowledge source
to use a picture unchanged without permission
to defame someone
just depend on your tutor’s ideas
It is good to
read your subject widely
develop initial research and extend body of knowledge
use evidence to support statements
disseminate information
learn from your tutor - how to handle information - how to write academically

14. Data Protection Act - do not hold on to personal information
Storage and use of data
Data Protection Act - do not hold on to personal information
Store confidential information securely - e.g. digital material (you may be ethical)
Give people a chance to feedback
Get permission to use data - special case children’s photographs
Dispose of confidential information securely

15. What do I need to do?
Have a look at section 7.2 of the module guide, the resources available on Blackboard, plus identified references.
Complete the ethical review checklist included in the module guide as appendix 3.
You will need to do this asap since a signed copy of your checklist needs to accompany your dissertation proposal. Your tutor will consider whether your research needs to be reported to the faculty’s research ethics committee.

16. What do I need to do?
You will need to discuss your checklist with your dissertation tutor as soon as they are allocated to you.
A copy of the checklist must be included with your dissertation synopsis. You will need to refer to your checklist, and update accordingly, as your progress with your research.
The signed and approved checklist must be submitted as an appendix in your final dissertation.
The checklist lists a number of questions which are derived from the six guiding principles outlined in this presentation. The questions require yes or no answers but you may need to provide more detail depending on what your first answer is.

17. For further reading:
Fewings, P. (2008) Ethics for the built environment, London: Taylor Francis
Mauthner, M. (2002) Ethics in qualitative research , London: Sage Publications.
Paul, O. (2003) The student's guide to research ethics , Maidenhead : Open University Press.
Smith, K., Todd, M. and Waldman, J. (2009) Doing your undergraduate social science dissertation , London: Routledge (chapter 7).
Walliman, N. (2004) Your undergraduate dissertation : the essential guide for success, London: Sage (chapter 12).
Wellington, J. (2000) Educational Research: contemporary issues and practical approaches, London: Continuum