Research Experience

and knowledge:
Ethics and Principles

Prepared by:
EVELYN P. MAGDALENA, Ph. D
Subject Professor, Research in Education
 Characteristics, Processes and
Ethics of Research

Introduction

This lesson introduces the characteristics of research, particularly qualitative

research Their breadth indicates ways of doing it and going through the entire
research process Becoming familiar with the types of research will help you
determine your choice for the locale or setting of your study. The characteristics
of both qualitative and quantitative research are presented, however, a section to
highlight qualitative research is discussed, ethical consideration forms a part of
this lesson as a significant element of the research process Further, the
discussions also present the ethics of research probing into its functions and
principles that must be observed by the researchers. Important considerations
should be noted as the study is being conducted especially on matters concerning
the participants of the study.

Characteristics of Research

Following the major definition of research as the scientific investigation of

phenomena which includes collection, presentation, analysis, and interpretation of
facts, strict adherence to ethical standards in planning and conducting both
qualitative and quantitative research is most important.

The following are the major characteristics of research:

1. Empirical Research is based on observations and experimentation of theories.

It takes into account the direct experiences that fuse the researcher's
speculation with reality. Most research is based on real-life situations.
2. Systematic. Research follows orderly and sequential procedures, based on
valid procedures and principles. Researchers are advised to refer to the
research guidelines provided or prescribed by the school.
3. Controlled. In research, all variables, except those that are
tested/experimented on, are kept constant.
4. Employs hypothesis. The hypothesis guides the investigation process since
research refers to a search for facts, answers to questions, and solutions to
problems.
5. Analytical. There is a critical analysis of all data used so that there is no error
in the researcher's interpretations.
6. Objective. The term also refers to the research as unbiased and logical. All
findings are logically based on empirical data, which as earlier mentioned, are
based on real life situations.
7. Original work. This requires effort to get at the researcher's own
investigation and produce the data needed to complete the study. Go to the
library to check on the originality of your work.
 Some Ethical Principles in
Research Writing

Introduction
The most popular definition of "ethics" is "conduct norms that distinguish
between acceptable and unacceptable behavior." These are interpersonal networks
formed when people acknowledge some shared ethical rules but interpret, apply,
and balance them in different ways based on their own values and experiences
(Resmik, 2015).

Another definition of "ethics" is "a method, procedure, or perspective for

deciding how to act and analyzing complex problems and issues." For example, while
considering a complex topic such as global warming, one may take an economic,
ecological, political, or ethical approach. While an economist could look at the costs
and advantages of various global warming measures, an environmental ethicist might
look at the ethical values and principles at issue. If a research endeavor is
regarded to be pursuing truth, it must be intended to produce valid results in
order to be ethical.

According to Flick (2002), qualitative researchers must be as vigilant or

positivist in ensuring the validity and reliability of their studies, even if they
prefer to use alternative terms such as credibility and authenticity in determining
the trustworthiness of their investigations. Untrustworthy research is unethical
because it contributes nothing to society's knowledge base and wastes the
resources of researchers and other participants. In positivist research, ethical
principles frequently emerge around the relationship of the researchers to the
resource providers for permission to carry out research to the data providers
(subjects), and to the public who want to know the results (Jones, 2000).

Researchers must take care not to intentionally mislead participants about the
nature of the research. Researchers have a responsibility to prevent causing bodily
and psychological harm to participants as well as the socio-political situations in
which and with which they work. Researchers are ethically required to safeguard
the privacy of participants in both the virtual and physical worlds, including
confidentiality for any information they provide and anonymity for their identity
(Baez, 2002).

Individual or group interviews with research informants are

frequently needed to sign an informed consent form outlining the
scope of the project. They are guaranteed anonymity and will be
referred to using pseudonyms, notwithstanding the necessity to
negotiate and talk. It is the researcher's ethical responsibility not to
hurt the human being being studied; they also have a responsibility to
science, the public, and future students.
 Individual or group interviews with research informants are
frequently needed to sign an informed consent form outlining the scope
of the project. They are guaranteed anonymity and will be referred to
using pseudonyms, notwithstanding the necessity to negotiate and talk.
It is the researcher's ethical responsibility not to hurt the human being
being studied; they also have a responsibility to science, the public, and
future students.

Enumerated below are words and phrases that correspond to

principles on which actions exhibited while doing research are anchored.
During your classroom discussion, how they can become standards for
ethical behavior will be clearer to you.

Honesty Openness
Competence Respect for Intellectual Property
Legality Confidentiality
Objectivity Responsible publication
Respect for Colleagues Social Responsibility
Integrity Carefulness
Openness Non-discrimination

The Research Process

Define Review Formulate Design

Hypothesis, or
Research Related Assumption and Research
Statement of the
Problem Literature Problem
Method

Collect
Interpret the
Analyze Data Data/Gather
Data
Data