Statement on Ethical Practice (BSA)

Read for the last class of Professor Scott's Introduction to Research Methods & Design

Overview

 * Document attempts to provide a functional, structural overview of what qualifies ideal/professional/ethical behavior as a sociologist

Sections/Highlights

 * Document is not "a set of recipes" (2) but instead "summarises basic principles for ethical practice by sociologists" (4)

Professional Integrity

 * "Sociological Research is a valuable activity and contributes to the well-being of society" (5)
 * Important to "maintain the integrity of sociological inquiry as a discipline" (5)
 * Remember National Laws/State Laws/Laws in general (6)
 * Crucial to recognize limits of "professional competence." Do not do work "not qualified to carry out" (7)


 * Recognize "rights of others" particularly research participants in the "advancement of knowledge (11)
 * Pursuit of knowledge does not allow for unethical/unfair behavior.

Relationship w/ Research Participants

 * Participants should "not be adversely affected by the research" (13)
 * "Research relationships should be characterized, whenever possible, by trust and integrity." (14)
 * Make participants aware of right to refusal (17)


 * Make clear where recordings will be kept. And if/how they will be disseminated (20)


 * In long field work scenarios, consent shouldn't be one-off, but a process that is constantly reminded and renegotiated (25).
 * "Care should be taken not to compromise existing relationships within the research setting" (25)


 * Social research is/can be intrusive. Keep in mind. (27)


 * Children -> Special Care (30)

Covert Research

 * Can be necessary (rarely) but does violate "informed consent." B/c it invades privacy, "anonymity" is key. And if possible get permission post hoc (after) (31-32).

Data Security & Anonymity

 * Store research data securely and break link between data and identifiable individuals (pseudonyms etc.) (36)
 * Confidentiality must be honored (37)
 * Except in "clear and overriding" scenarios "such as the abuse of children" (37)


 * Research may be subpoenaed. Warn participants (38)


 * Preserve the "reputation of sociology as a discipline" (40)


 * "Ethical standards for internet research are not well developed as yet." Consult "ongoing debates" (41)

Funders & Sponsors

 * Be professional, focus on mission to advance knowledge and remind sponsors that sociology has obligations "to society at large" (42-43)


 * Have a written contract (45)
 * Don't accept contracts with contigencies for specific outcomes (49)
 * Clarify "rights to publish and disseminate the results" of research (51)


 * Don't undertake studies without enough funding (58)

Dissemination

 * Make findings as widely available as possible, disseminate research data if permissible, avoid restrictions on freedom to publish/broadcast findings (60-61)

Link

 * Document can be found here