Ethical considerations in research encompass a series of guidelines that guides your

research methodologies and behaviours. A significant ethical aspect with specific problems arises
in this quantitative study, primarily coming from the methodology employed. Ethical difficulties
relevant to this research encompass ensuring proper conduct during the study, maintaining
confidentiality, and preserving anonymity. According to Safary Wa-Mbaleka (2019). Essentially,
ethical considerations assist qualitative researchers in designing their studies within ethical
parameters. It is the moral duty of qualitative researchers to maintain the utmost ethical standards
throughout the planning and implementation of their studies.

Voluntary Participation. Participants were given the choice to join the study without
fear of consequences, loss of benefits, or compensation . Afterwards, after presenting the study’s
purpose and benefits, great care was taken to consider and anticipate the rights of participants to
contribute to knowledge. Throughout the study, participants were not pressure into participation
and were free to withdraw if they felt uncomfortable at any point during the study’s execution.

Privacy and Confidentiality. Participants possess the right to privacy, which should not
be breached unless informed consent is obtained, aligning with the Data Privacy Act 2012, a
legislation safeguarding the fundamental human right of privacy. One approach to sustain
privacy and confidentiality in this quantitative study involves allowing respondents the option to
withhold their names on the survey questionnaire. Furthermore, confidentiality and privacy were
maintained by refraining from disclosing demographic information of participants such as age,
gender, occupation, employment status, and any medical conditions. Consequently, their
identities were safeguarded for security reasons. Additionally, participants’ responses to survey
questionnaire items were treated as confidential.

Informed consent process. The research participants were thoroughly informed on the
research objectives, methods, and potential benefits within the study’s parameters. Their consent
was solicited, emphasizing the voluntary nature of their participation. This consent was
documented in written form, surrounding all relevant details concerning the study’s conduct.
Participants were required to sign the informed consent form, stating their voluntary agreement
to partake in the survey. Given that participants were consenting adults, parental consent was
unnecessary. To ensure confidentiality, respondents’ names were excluded from the survey
questionnaire, and their responses were treated with greatest possible confidentiality. Participants
were fully informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any point. Additionally, all data
collected by the researcher were protected, and any dissemination of information stick to a
stringent informed consent procedure. Participants were given agency over their personal
information to lessen concerns regarding potential unintended usage of the data or information.
 Recruitment. The participants were informed on the motives behind their involvement in
the study. The researchers explained the study’s purpose to ensure participants understand its
nature and significance, promoting a deeper understanding and conclusion to the researcher’s
objectives. Additionally, alongside the letter, the rationale and significance of the study were
provided by the researcher.

Risks. Research will proceed only if there is a commending balance between potential
benefits and risks. Ensuring the protection of participants from any significant harm is the most
important in this study. The well-being of the respondents was given top priority, with measures
taken to maintain the confidentiality of their identities, thereby ensuring their security and safety.
As the researchers, it was important to know that participants were physically, emotionally, and
socially prepared. Care was taken to design the survey questionnaire in a manner that prevented
respondents from feeling discomfort or awkwardness while providing their answers.

Benefits. This study offers potential benefits to the participants by serving as a guide for
ABM students on enhancing their analytical skills. It aims to provide valuable learning strategies
and techniques to sharpen their analytical abilities. Additionally, to ensure the happiness of the
participants, the researcher took measures to avoid any harm, thus facilitating further
advancements in related studies. Central to these benefits is the promotion of significant learning
outcomes.

In summary, this quantitative study demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical

standards throughout various aspects, including participant voluntarism, privacy protection,
informed consent procedures, recruitment practices, risk management, and potential benefits. By
prioritizing participants’ rights and well-being, the study aims to enhance analytical skills among
ABM students while ensuring their safety and confidentiality. Upholding ethical principles not
only maintains research integrity but also fosters trust and credibility within the academic
community.