INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK

DAR ES SALAAM

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

BASIC TECHNIQUES CERTIFICATE

COURSE NAME: BASIC TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE OF SOCIAL WORK

MODULE:

MODULE CODE:

LECTURE NAME: MADAM DEBORA

STUDENT NAME: IS'HAKA YUSUPH IS'HAKA

REGISTRATION NO.BTCSW/T.2023/258

ASSIGNMENT TYPE: INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT

SUBMISSION DATE: APRIL 2024

QUESTION:

1.WITH EXAMPLE DESCRIBE ANY 7 RESEARCH ETHICS

2. THE IMPORTANCE OF EACH RESEARCH ETHICS

3. DISADVANTAGES OF NOT ADHERING TO RESEARCH ETHICS TO RESEARCH

Research ethics refers to the principles and guidelines that govern the ethical conduct of research
involving human subjects, animals or the environment. These principles ensure that research is carried
out in a morally responsible manner and respects the rights and welfare of individuals and the broader
community. Research ethics play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity, well-being, and
confidentiality of participants involved in social work research. Researchers must adhere to ethical
principles to ensure the protection of human subjects and the validity of their findings. The following is
the research ethics and examples.

Informed Consent Researchers must obtain voluntary and informed consent from participants before
involving them in a study. This includes providing comprehensive information about the study's purpose,
procedures, risks, and benefits allowing participants to make an autonomous decision. Example.When
conducting a study on the experiences of survivors of domestic abuse researchers obtain written
consent from participants after explaining the purpose, potential risks, and confidentiality
measures.Another Example Before conducting a survey on the experiences of domestic violence
survivors the researcher explains the study's purpose, confidentiality measures, potential risks, and the
participants' right to withdraw. Participants then provide written consent to participate. (Reference:
Smith, J., & Johnson, M. (2019). Ethical considerations in qualitative research with vulnerable
populations: A case study of domestic violence survivors. Journal of Social Work Ethics, 16(2), 36-52).

Confidentiality and Anonymity Researchers must safeguard participants identities and personal
information by ensuring confidentiality and anonymity. This involves collecting and storing data securely
and de-identifying it during analysis and reporting. Example To protect participant confidentiality
researchers assign pseudonyms and use secure servers to store electronically collected data ensuring it
is inaccessible to unauthorized individuals. Another Example During interviews with incarcerated
individual the researcher assures participants that their identities will be kept confidential and that
pseudonyms will be used in reporting the findings to maintain anonymity.(Reference: Jones, R., &
Brown, K. (2020). Ensuring participant privacy in social work research: Strategies and challenges. Social
Work Research, 44(3), 215-227).

Privacy and Respect Researchers should respect the privacy of participants during the research process
ensuring they are not subjected to unnecessary intrusion or discomfort. This involves obtaining consent
for any audio or video recording and conducting interviews or observations in private spaces. Example
During interviews with clients in a counseling study researchers conduct the sessions in private rooms to
protect the privacy of participants (Reference: Anderson, L., & Lee, S. (2018). Ethical dilemmas in social
work research: A case study illustration. Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 15(2), 19-32).

Minimizing harm The researchers prioritize the well-being of participants and minimize potential harm.
They follow ethical guidelines to ensure participant safety and monitor for any adverse reactions to the
medication. If participants experience any negative effects appropriate medical care and support are
provided. The research protocol includes a plan for promptly stopping the study if significant harm is
identified. Example In a study involving interviews with survivors of traumatic events, the researcher
provides psychological support and referrals to counseling services if participants become distressed
during the interview process. Reference: Belmont Report - Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the
Protection of Human Subjects of Research.

Justice and Fairness Researchers must ensure that the benefits and burdens of research are distributed
fairly among participants. They should avoid any form of discrimination or bias and strive for inclusivity
and equal opportunity. For instance an economist conducting a study on income inequality should select
a diverse sample that represents different socioeconomic groups and demographics to avoid skewing
the research findings. [Reference: Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS)
International Ethical Guidelines]

Integrity in Research Design and Reporting Researchers should conduct their studies with honesty and
transparency accurately reporting their methods findings and any conflicts of interest. In an
environmental study assessing the impact of a new construction project on local ecosystems researchers
should disclose any funding sources or affiliations that may influence their findings. [Reference:
Committee on Publication Ethics. (2019). Code of Conduct and Best Practice Guidelines for Journal
Editors.]

Voluntary Participation Researchers should ensure that participants have the right to withdraw from
the study at any time without facing negative consequences. Example When recruiting participants for a
study on aging and caregiving, researchers ensured that individuals were free to decide whether or not
to participate. They emphasized that refusal or withdrawal from the study would not affect their access
to services. Reference: International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) Code of Ethics (2018)

Beneficence Researchers must strive to maximize the benefits of their research while minimizing
potential harm to participants. They should consider the potential positive impact of their work and
weigh the risks against the benefits. For instance, a medical researcher conducting a clinical trial on a
new drug should carefully monitor participants for any adverse reactions and promptly address any
potential harm that may arise. [Reference: World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki]

Non-Maleficence Researchers are obligated to avoid causing harm to participants and must actively take
steps to protect their well-being. For example, an educational researcher studying the effects of a new
teaching method should ensure that the intervention does not significantly harm students' educational
progress or emotional well-being. [Reference: International Ethical Guidelines for Health-related
Research Involving Humans]

Client Autonomy and Self-Determination Social workers must respect the autonomy and self-
determination of their clients. For instance, when working with individuals experiencing homelessness,
social workers should involve them in decision-making processes regarding shelter options, rather than
imposing decisions upon them. [Reference: National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (2017). Code
of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers.]

Cultural Competence and Sensitivity Social workers should demonstrate cultural competence and
sensitivity in their practice, recognizing and respecting the diversity of their clients. For instance, when
working with immigrant families, social workers should be aware of cultural norms and values, adapting
their interventions accordingly to ensure relevance and effectiveness. [Reference: Council on Social
Work Education (CSWE). (2015). Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.]

Avoidance of Dual Relationships Social workers should avoid dual or conflicting relationships with their
clients to prevent conflicts of interest and protect client well-being. For example, a social worker should
not provide therapy to a close friend or family member to maintain professional boundaries and ensure
the client's best interests. [Reference: Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). (2005). Code of
Ethics.]

Professional Competence and IntegritySocial workers should maintain high standards of professional
competence and integrity in their practice. For example, when conducting program evaluations, social
workers should adhere to rigorous research methods and accurately report findings, avoiding biases or
conflicts of interest that could compromise the integrity of the research. [Reference: International
Federation of Social Workers (IFSW). (2014). Global Definition of Social Work.]

Social Justice and AdvocacySocial workers have a duty to promote social justice and advocate for the
rights and well-being of vulnerable populations. For instance, when advocating for policy changes to
address income inequality, social workers should collaborate with community organizations and engage
in grassroots activism to amplify the voices of marginalized individuals. [Reference: International
Federation of Social Workers (IFSW). (2012). Global Standards for the Education and Training of the
Social Work Profession.]

Research ethics play a crucial role in ensuring that research is conducted responsibly, ethically and with
the utmost integrity. Research ethics are essential guidelines that ensure the integrity, quality and
fairness of research studies involving human subjects. They provide guidelines and principles that guide
researchers in their pursuit of knowledge and help protect the rights and well-being of individuals,
communities, and the overall scientific community. Here are some key importance of research ethics.

Protection of Human Participants Ethical research ensures the protection and well-being of human
participants involved in studies safeguarding their rights, privacy and physical and psychological well-
being. It establishes guidelines for obtaining informed consent minimizing potential harm, and ensuring
confidentiality. (Reference: Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics.)

Maintenance of Research Integrity Ethical research promotes the maintenance of research integrity and
ensures that findings are reliable, trustworthy and unbiased. It discourages practices such as fabrication,
falsification, and plagiarism fostering the credibility and validity of scientific knowledge. (Reference:
Resnik, D. B. (2015). Ethical standards in research.)

Promotion of Beneficence Research ethics emphasizes beneficence aiming to maximize the benefits of
research while minimizing potential harm. It encourages researchers to consider the potential benefits
and risks associated with their studies and take steps to maximize positive outcomes while minimizing
negative impacts. (Reference: National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical
and Behavioral Research. (1979). The Belmont Report.)
Ensuring Inclusion and Diversity Ethical research promotes the inclusion of diverse populations to
ensure equity, fairness and representation in research studies. It fosters the avoidance of discriminatory
practices and promotes the participation of individuals from various backgrounds ensuring that research
findings are applicable and relevant to broader populations. (Reference: Council for International
Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS) & World Health Organization (WHO). (2016). CIOMS ethical
guidelines for health-related research involving humans.)

Responsible Use of Animal Subjects Research ethics extends to the use of animal subjects, emphasizing
the responsible and ethical treatment of animals involved in scientific research. It promotes the
principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement (the "three Rs") to minimize the use of animals,
their suffering, and to find alternative methods whenever possible. (Reference: Russell, W. M. S., &
Burch, R. L. (1959). The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique.)

Informed Consent Obtaining informed consent from participants ensures that they are fully aware of
the study's purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits before they agree to participate. This protects their
autonomy and rights. [Reference: Beauchamp, T.L., & Childress, J.F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical
Ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.]

Confidentiality Protecting the confidentiality of participants' personal information maintains their

privacy and fosters trust between researchers and participants. It also reduces the risk of harm or
stigmatization. [Reference: National Institutes of Health. (2018). Protecting Personal Health Information
in Research: Understanding the HIPAA Privacy Rule.]

Minimization of Harm Ethical research practices minimize physical, psychological, emotional, and social
harm to participants. Researchers must prioritize the well-being of participants throughout the research
process. [Reference: American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and
Code of Conduct.]

Data Integrity and Accuracy Ensuring the integrity and accuracy of research data promotes the
reliability and credibility of research findings. Researchers must report data truthfully and transparently,
without fabrication, falsification, or selective reporting. [Reference: National Academy of Sciences.
(2018). Fostering Integrity in Research.]

Fair Participant Selection Fair participant selection involves recruiting a diverse and representative
sample to avoid bias and ensure the generalizability of research findings. This promotes fairness and
equity in research participation. [Reference: World Medical Association. (2013). Declaration of Helsinki:
Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects.]

Respect for Vulnerable Populations Special protections are required for vulnerable populations such as
children, prisoners, pregnant women, and individuals with diminished autonomy, to safeguard their
rights and well-being. [Reference: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2009). Code of
Federal Regulations Title 45 Public Welfare Part 46 Protection of Human Subjects.]
Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest Researchers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest such as
financial or personal relationships that could influence the research process or outcomes. This
transparency ensures the integrity and credibility of the research. [Reference: International Committee
of Medical Journal Editors. (2021). Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and
Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals.]

Promotion of Scientific Objectivity Ethical research practices help maintain scientific objectivity.
Researchers should strive to eliminate biases both conscious and unconscious that might influence their
work. Ethical guidelines encourage peer review open sharing of research methods and data and
replicability of findings which are fundamental to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Public Trust and Credibility Ethical research practices are essential for maintaining public trust and
credibility in the scientific community. When research is conducted with integrity and follows ethical
guidelines it enhances the reputation of researchers and institutions. This trust is crucial for the
acceptance and application of research findings by policymakers, practitioners, and the general public.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance Research ethics helps ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and
institutional policies related to research. Ethical review boards or committees, such as Institutional
Review Boards (IRBs) or Research Ethics Committees (RECs), assess research proposals to ensure they
conform to established ethical standards, legal requirements, and institutional guidelines

Long term Impact and Sustainability Research ethics also encompasses considerations of long term
impact and sustainability. Responsible research practices call for transparent reporting of findings,
sharing of data, and ensuring the reproducibility of research. Ethical research considers environmental
impact, social justice, and the responsible use of resources.

Not adhering to research ethics can have several disadvantages for a researcher. The following is the
disadvantages of not adhering to research ethics to researcher.

Loss of Credibility Research ethics ensure the integrity and reliability of research outcomes. If a
researcher fails to adhere to ethical standards their credibility can be severely undermined. Peers and
the scientific community may question the validity and authenticity of their findings which can impact
the researcher's reputation and future career prospects.

Harm to Participants One of the fundamental aspects of research ethics is to protect the welfare and
rights of study participants. If a researcher disregards ethical principles they may expose participants to
physical, psychological or emotional harm. This can lead to serious consequences for both the
participants and the researcher including legal and ethical repercussions.

Legal and Regulatory Consequences Many research studies are subject to specific laws and regulations
especially when involving human subjects or sensitive data. Non-compliance with these regulations can
result in legal consequences such as fines, litigation or even imprisonment. Violating ethical guidelines
may also lead to sanctions from research institutions, funding agencies and professional associations.
Ethical Review and Approval Challenges Many research projects require ethical approval from
institutional review boards or ethics committees before commencement. Failing to adhere to research
ethics can hinder the approval process or even result in the rejection of the study. This can delay the
research timeline, waste resources and potentially endanger the researcher's professional relationship.

Negative Impact on Participants Trust Research depends on the voluntary participation and trust of
individuals who contribute as subjects. If a researcher does not prioritize ethical considerations,
participants may lose trust in the research process as a whole. This can make it difficult to recruit
participants for future studies and harm the reputation of the researcher within the community.

Damage to Research Field Research ethics help establish a foundation of trust and reliability within the
scientific community. When researchers fail to adhere to ethical standards it can damage the reputation
of the entire research field or discipline. This can lead to skepticism, reduced funding opportunities and
slower progress in the respective area of study.

Inaccurate and Unreliable Results Unethical practices such as fabrication, falsification or selective
reporting of data compromise the integrity of research results. This undermines the trustworthiness of
scientific findings and can have far-reaching implications. Other researchers may base their work on
false or misleading information, leading to a waste of resources and potentially harmful outcomes.

Loss of Funding and Research Opportunities Funding agencies, universities and journals are increasingly
emphasizing ethical conduct in research. Researchers who do not adhere to ethical standards may face
difficulties in obtaining grants, securing research positions or publishing their work. Funding agencies
and academic institutions often have strict ethical review processes and may reject proposals or
applications that do not meet ethical standards.

Diminished Collaboration and Team Dynamics Unethical behavior such as plagiarism or data theft can
strain relationships with collaborators and team members. Trust is essential in research collaboration
and breaches of ethical guidelines can damage interpersonal relationships make future collaborations
challenging and impede the overall progress of research projects.

Social and Public Perception Unethical behavior not only affects the research community but also
erodes public trust in science and research. It can lead to skepticism about research findings and
contribute to a negative perception of the scientific community at large. This can hinder the public's
willingness to participate in future research studies and impede the translation of research into
meaningful applications and policies.

Stifling progress Unethical behavior can hinder scientific progress by contaminating the pool of
knowledge with unreliable or fraudulent data, ultimately impeding advancements in the field.
In general also research ethics underscores the critical importance of upholding ethical standards in all
phases of research. Each research ethic, such as respect for autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence,
and justice, plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity, credibility, and validity of research outcomes.
Failure to adhere to research ethics can lead to various disadvantages, including compromised
participant well-being, erosion of public trust, legal consequences, and damage to the reputation of
researchers and institutions. Therefore, prioritizing research ethics is indispensable for maintaining the
integrity and credibility of scientific inquiry and safeguarding the rights and welfare of all involved
stakeholders.
Reference:

National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (2018). NASW Code of Ethics.

International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW). (2014). Ethical Document of the International
Federation of Social Workers: Statement of Principles.

Reamer, F. G. (2013). Ethical standards in social work: A review of the NASW Code of Ethics. Social Work,
58(2), 173-182.

Minichiello, V., Aroni, R., Timewell, E., & Alexander, L. (2008). In-depth interviewing: Principles,
techniques, analysis. Pearson Education.

National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social
Workers.