Ethical Guidelines

The research team will:

- ensure that the research is conducted in a competent and professional fashion, seeking to use the most appropriate and effective methods sensitive to gender, ethnicity and disability

- take the local situation as it comes, respecting customs, laws, practices and regulations

- consider the long term effect of the research and avoid negative after effects which might prejudice future research

- hold the welfare of individuals and groups participating in the research as the highest priority; dignity, privacy and interests will be protected at all times

- avoid undue intrusion into the lives of the individuals, groups and communities involved in the project

- obtain freely given informed consent from potential research participants

- not use coercion. Participants have a right to refuse, or withdraw from participation in the project at any time

- protect the confidentiality of all information and anonymity of research participants. No names or clearly identifying descriptions will be used in research materials, unless explicit permission has been given by the participant(s)

- offer research participants reasonable access to research materials and reports during the project (subject to Home Office regulations) and encourage dialogue and feedback, particularly in terms of the final report

For further information and comprehensive ethical guidelines for research see:

British Sociological Association, 2002, Statement of Ethical Practice
www.britsoc.org.uk/about/ethic.htm

MOST (Management of Social Transformations), Ethical Guidelines, 2002
www.unesco.org/most/ethical.htm

The Research Council of Norway, 2002
Guidelines for research ethics in the social sciences, law and humanities
www.etikkom.no/NESH/eretn.htm

This Page was last updated: Monday, November 25, 2002 at 3:54:24 PM
This page was originally posted: 5/11/02; 10:30:26 am.
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