Ethical Standards

1
Ethical Standards

• Informed Consent
• Is a basic ethical tenet of scientific research
  on human subjects
• When informed consent is required, sociologists
  enter into an agreement with the researched
• Consent clarifies the nature of the research and
  the responsibilities of the investigator prior to
  conducting the research

2

• In consent form, use language that is
  understandable to and respectful of research
  participants.
• When informed consent is required, research
  participants are given an opportunity to ask
  questions about any aspect of the research, at
  any time during or after their participation in
  the research.

3

• Informed consent informs the respondents about
  the nature of the research, and that of their
  participation in the research.

4

• Confidentiality
• Sociologists have an obligation to ensure that
  confidential information is protected.
• They do so to ensure the integrity of the
  research and to protect sensitive information
  obtained in the research process.
• Confidentiality ensures that information gained
  in confidence will not be used in ways that would
  unfairly compromise research participants.

5

• Confidentiality is treated as such even after the
  deaths of those providing that information.
• Confidentiality extends to members of the
  research or training teams and collaborating
  organizations who have access to the information.
• When research requires maintaining personal
  identifiers in data bases or systems of records,
  Sociologists delete such identifiers before the
  information is made public.

6

• Use of Deception in Research
• Sociologists do not use deceptive techniques
• Unless they have determined that their use will
  not be harmful to research participants
• Unless they have obtained the approval of
  Institutional Review Board

7

• Use of Recording Technology
• Obtain informed consent from research
  participants prior to videotaping, filming, or
  recording them in any form.

8

• Reporting on Research
• Sociologists
• Do not fabricate data or falsify results in their
  publications or presentations
• Report their findings fully and do not omit
  relevant data
• State all relevant qualifications on the findings
  and interpretation of their research