RESEARCH METHODS

RESEARCH METHODS

1. Ethical issues

   • Confidentiality- Personal information protection
   • Deception- When a participant is not told the true aims of the study
   • Informed consent- Participants have the right to be given the right information and purpose of the research
   • Protection from harm- Participants should not experience physical or psychological harm during the research
   • Right to withdraw- Participants have the right to withdraw from the study or refuse permission to be involved
   • Anonymity- a right to remain nameless
   • Competency- the way in which the researcher deals with issues in a professional manner
   • Privacy- the state of being free from dusturbance of ones personal lfe
   • Legality- researchers should not be involved in any illegal activity

2. Theoretical issues

   • Objective- avoiding bias/ approaching a topic with an open mind and accepting scrutany
   • How something is investigated? choosing the research method that is most suitable
   • What is studied? the choice of topic

3. Practical issues

   • How easy it is to access those being studied? For example in open or closed settings
   • The time and funding that is available
   • The availability of existing data
   • The values and beliefs of the researcher
   • The pressure to publish findings
   • The personal skills and characteristics of the researcher