Ethical Considerations in Educational Research

• Week 3
•Dr Mohammed
Mai
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 Introduction to Ethics
What is Ethics?
Ethics refers to the study of moral
principles and values that guide
human behavior. It explores
questions of right and wrong,
good and bad, and how
individuals and societies should
act.
Perspectives on Ethics
Ethics can be viewed from different
perspectives, including consequentialism
(focus on outcomes), deontology (focus
on duties and rules), and virtue ethics
(focus on character and virtues). Each
perspective offers a unique approach to
ethical decision-making.
 Introduction to Ethics
Overview of Ethical
Importance of Ethical
Definition of Ethics Theories
Decision-Making
Ethical theories provide
Ethics refers to the study of frameworks for understanding
Ethical decision-making is
moral principles and values and evaluating ethical dilemmas.
crucial as it ensures that
that guide human behavior. It individuals and organizations They include consequentialism,
involves determining what is act in a morally responsible which focuses on the outcomes of
right or wrong, good or bad, manner. It helps maintain trust, actions; deontology, which
and how individuals should integrity, and fairness in emphasizes adherence to moral
personal and professional rules and duties; and virtue
act in various situations.
relationships, and contributes to ethics, which emphasizes the
the overall well-being of development of virtuous
society. character traits.
 Definition of Ethics
Origin of the Word
The word 'ethics'
originates from the Greek
word 'ethikos', meaning
'character' or 'custom'. It
refers to the study of
moral principles and
values that guide human
behavior.
Ethics as a Set of Moral
Definition According to Principles or Values
Oxford Dictionary
Ethics can be understood
According to the as a framework of moral
Oxford principles or values that
Dictionary, ethics guide individuals or
is defined as groups in making
'moral principles decisions and determining
that govern a what is right or wrong,
person's behavior good or bad, in various
or the conducting situations.
of an activity'.
 Perspectives on Ethics
Ethics as Moral Principles
Ethics can be viewed as a
framework for decision-making
based on moral principles.
Scholars argue that ethical choices
should align with fundamental
values and principles that guide
human behavior and interactions.
Ethics as Relationships
Another perspective on ethics emphasizes the
importance of web relationships with others.
This perspective suggests that ethical
behavior is rooted in fostering positive and
respectful relationships, considering the
impact of our actions on others, and
promoting fairness and justice in social
interactions.
 Ethics as Norms and Standards
Importance of Ethical Norms
Adhering to ethical norms is of
utmost importance in various
aspects of life. Ethical norms
provide guidelines for moral
conduct, ensuring fairness,
integrity, and accountability in
personal and professional
interactions. They help maintain
trust, promote social cohesion,
and contribute to the overall
well-being of individuals and
communities.
Ethics as Norms or
Standards
Ethics can be understood as
norms or standards that govern
behavior. They serve as a
framework for evaluating actions
and decisions, guiding
individuals and organizations
towards ethical conduct. Ethics
provide a moral compass, helping
individuals navigate complex
situations and make choices that
align with principles of right and
wrong.
Variation of Ethics in
Different Contexts
Ethics can vary across different
contexts, including geographical
locations, cultural backgrounds,
professional fields, and historical
periods. What may be considered
ethical in one context may not be the
same in another. Understanding and
respecting these variations is crucial
for promoting cultural diversity,
inclusivity, and ethical decision-
making in a globalized world.
 Ethical Theories
Relativism Theory Ethical principles subjective and vary across individuals, cultures, and
societies.
Divine Command Ethical principles derived from religious beliefs and the commands of
Theory a higher power.

Emphasizes adherence to moral rules and duties in decision-

Deontology theory
making, regardless of the outcomes.
Utilitarian Theory Focuses on the consequences of actions and maximizing overall
happiness or utility.
Egoism theory Focuses on self-interest and maximizing personal benefits in decision-
making.
Focuses on developing virtuous character traits and making ethical
Virtue ethics theory
decisions based on those virtues.
Conclusion

Ethics is a complex and multifaceted subject that plays a crucial role in

our personal and professional lives. By exploring different perspectives
on ethics, we broaden our horizons and develop a more nuanced
understanding of moral reasoning. It is important to continue engaging
in ethical discussions and reflecting on our own values and actions to
make informed and responsible choices in a diverse and interconnected
world.
 Ethical Issues in Educational Research
The Importance of Ethical Considerations
Ethical issues in educational research serve
as a blueprint to guide researchers on what
should and shouldn't be done. They are
not meant to threaten researchers, but
rather to ensure the integrity and
responsible conduct of research.
Ensuring Ethical Conduct in Research
It is crucial for researchers to familiarize
themselves with these ethical issues to ensure
the effectiveness and ethicality of their
research. By understanding and adhering to
these ethical considerations, researchers can
ensure that their research is conducted
ethically and responsibly, promoting trust and
credibility in the field of education and
beyond.
1. Understanding Copyright Infringement
What is Copyright Infringement?
Copyright infringement occurs when
someone uses copyrighted material
without permission from the author or
copyright owner. This includes using,
publishing, or selling protected works
without prior access. It is a serious offense
that is punishable by law.
Consequences of Copyright Infringement
Engaging in copyright infringement
can lead to legal consequences, such
as fines and penalties. It is important
to respect the rights of creators and
obtain proper permission before using
copyrighted material to avoid any
legal issues.
 2. Fabrication Issues: Integrity in Research
Fabricating Research Data
Fabrication in research involves
creating false or made-up data or
results and presenting them as
genuine. Examples include inventing
demographic information and
performance results for non-existent
research participants in spreadsheets.
Misrepresentation in Public Presentation
Fabrication can also occur in public
presentations, such as creating figures
that show physical measures of sound
outputs for auditory devices that are
incapable of producing those levels.
This misrepresentation can mislead
the audience and undermine the
credibility of the research.
 3. Falsification Issues: Manipulating Data and Misrepresenting
Findings
What is Falsification?
Falsification occurs when researchers
intentionally manipulate ideas,
research data, and citations to align
with their study's context. It involves
unethical practices that undermine
the integrity of scientific research.
Examples of Falsification
Falsifying research data can take
various forms, such as reporting data
that were not collected, altering
collected data to achieve desired
outcomes, selectively reporting data
that support specific hypotheses or
interests, and making false claims
about research findings in
promotional materials.
 4. Plagiarism

What is Plagiarism? The Consequences of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of presenting Plagiarism is considered unethical and

someone else's ideas, words, or work as can have serious consequences. It
your own. It includes copying and undermines academic integrity,
using someone else's thoughts, intellectual property rights, and the
pictures, theories, or stories without trust between creators and consumers
giving proper credit or of knowledge. It can result in academic
acknowledgment. penalties, legal issues, and damage to
one's reputation.
 5. Citations and Referencing: Giving Credit Where It's
Due
Understanding Citations
Citations are a way for authors to give
credit to the original source of information
used in their work that is not their own. It
is a process of acknowledging and
referencing the appropriate sources from
where the information was collected. By
including citations, authors show respect
for the intellectual property of others and
uphold academic integrity.
The Issue of Falsification and
Plagiarism
Citations and referencing are closely related
to the issues of falsification and plagiarism.
Falsification involves presenting someone
else's work or ideas as your own, while
plagiarism is the act of using someone else's
work without proper acknowledgment. Both
of these practices are unethical and can have
serious consequences in academic and
professional settings.
 6. Publication Issues: Ensuring Ethical Practices in
Scholarly Works
Common Publication Issues Plagiarism
Publication issues in scholarly works include: Plagiarism is a serious
- Submitting the same paper to different journals publication issue that involves
without informing the editors
- Publishing the same paper in two different using someone else's work
journals without informing the editors without proper attribution. It
- Bypassing the peer review process and is important to properly cite
announcing results through a press conference and reference all sources to
without providing adequate information for avoid plagiarism.
review
- Publishing research works without proper peer
review
 7. Authorship in Research

What is Authorship? Criteria for Authorship

Authorship refers to the process To be considered an author, it is

of determining who should be generally agreed that an
credited as the developers, individual should have made
creators, and owners of research substantial contributions to the
work. It involves shortlisting research. This includes
individuals who have made conceptualizing and designing
significant contributions to the the study, acquiring and
intellectual content of the study. analyzing data, and interpreting
the findings.
8. Confidentiality Issues: Protecting Sensitive Information
Understanding Confidentiality Issues
Confidentiality issues occur when
information that should be kept
private is disclosed to the public
through any means. This can
have serious consequences for
individuals and organizations,
especially in research and other
sensitive contexts.
Protecting Sensitive Information
In the research process, it is crucial to
safeguard personal and identifiable
information of research participants,
authors, and reviewers. This
information should never be exposed
without a valid reason, as it can breach
confidentiality and harm the privacy
and trust of individuals involved.
 9. Data Management Issues
Ethical and Reliable Data
Collection
Data management involves
ensuring the ethical and
truthful collection of reliable
data. This includes following
proper research protocols,
obtaining informed consent
from participants, and
maintaining data integrity
throughout the collection
process.
Ownership and
Responsibility of Data
Data management also
involves clarifying
ownership and responsibility
of collected data. This includes
determining who has the
rights to access, use, and
control the data, as well as
establishing data governance
policies and procedures.
Retention and Sharing of
Data
Data management includes
decisions about retaining and
the
sharing access to collected data.
This involves determining how
long data should be retained,
ensuring data security and
privacy, and providing
opportunities for colleagues
and the public to access and
utilize the data for future
research or transparency
purposes.
 10. Data Analysis: Ensuring Accuracy and Integrity

Responsibility of Researchers Misconduct and Consequences

Researchers have a crucial Fabrication and falsification of data are

responsibility to analyze data
appropriately. Inappropriate analysis,
such as intentional omission of results,
can lead to misinterpretation and
mislead readers. It is essential to
ensure accuracy and integrity in data
analysis to maintain the credibility of
research.
considered serious misconduct. These
unethical practices undermine the trust
in scientific research and can have
severe consequences for researchers,
including damage to their reputation
and potential legal implications.
 11. Research Supervision: Ensuring Ethical Conduct and
Competence
Ethical Conduct in Research
Supervision of research staff,
collaborators, and students is crucial to
ensure ethical conduct in research. All
individuals involved in the research
project must adhere to the highest
levels of ethical standards. Supervisors
play a vital role in promoting and
enforcing ethical practices throughout
the research process.
Ensuring Competence in Research
Supervisors have the responsibility to
ensure that all individuals involved in the
research project receive appropriate
training and possess the necessary
competence to conduct assigned research
activities. This includes providing
guidance, mentorship, and opportunities
for professional development to enhance
the skills and knowledge of research staff,
collaborators, and students.
 12. Addressing Discrimination in Research

Inclusion of Varied Demographics Bias and Discrimination

Research should include diverse Discrimination in the selection and

demographics of the population
under study. This foundational
principle ensures that
findings are representative and
applicable to different groups.
treatment of human participants can
occur due to explicit or implicit bias.
the It is important to be aware of and
address these biases to ensure fair
and ethical research practices.
 13. Informed Consent: Ensuring Ethical Research
Practices
The Ethical Importance of Written
What is Informed Consent?
Consent
Informed consent is when individuals
Obtaining written consent from research
or their parents/guardians give their
participants is not just a formality - it is an
consent to a proposed course of action
ethical requirement. Failing to obtain
after receiving adequate information
written consent violates research rules
about the expected outcomes and
and can lead to serious ethical
potential risks. It is a crucial ethical
implications. It is essential to prioritize
practice in research and ensures that
the rights and well-being of individuals
participants are fully aware of what
involved in research by ensuring proper
they are agreeing to.
informed consent procedures are
followed.
 14. Conflicts of Interest: Ensuring Research Integrity

Understanding Conflicts of Interest Preserving Research Integrity

Conflicts of interest occur when To ensure research integrity, it is

researchers have interests that crucial to identify and manage
may influence their judgment on conflicts of interest.
what is published. These interests Transparency, disclosure, and
can be personal, commercial, independent peer review
political, academic, or financial in processes play a vital role in
nature. maintaining the credibility and
objectivity of published research.
 15. Grant Issues
What are Grants?
Grants are financial supports
provided to researchers and
scholars who have identified
unique problems and developed
strategies to solve them. They are
offered by organizations and
individuals without interest or
the expectation of repayment.
Support for Research and Innovation
Grants play a crucial role in
supporting research and innovation.
They provide financial resources to
individuals and teams working on
important problems, enabling them
to pursue their ideas and make
valuable contributions to their fields.
 Conclusion
The Importance of Ethics in
Educational Research
Ethical considerations are crucial in
educational research. Adhering to
ethical standards ensures effective
research management and practice. It
is the responsibility of students,
researchers, and scholars to follow
these ethics for improved problem-
solving and decision-making in
education and beyond.
Promoting Ethical Research Practices
By upholding ethical standards, we can
ensure the integrity and credibility of
educational research. It is essential to
prioritize ethical considerations to
protect the rights and well-being of
participants, maintain confidentiality,
and promote transparency and trust in
the research process.
Thank you for your time 😊
Ethics of Educational Research
Ethics of Educational Research

 Ethical considerations are an important part

of research.
 Researchers must be aware of and attend to
ethical considerations.
 Two main overarching ethical rules guide
researchers.
 Participants should not be harmed.
 Researchers obtain participants’ informed consent.
Ethics of Educational Research

 Most societies for behavioral researchers

have similar codes for ethical research
largely due to the National Research Act
of 1974 which Created a code for the
protection of human subjects.
Ethics of Educational Research

 Most institutions have review groups that

assure participant protections.
 IRB (Institutional Review Board) or HSRC
(Human Subjects Review Committee)
 Researchers must submit their proposal
for review and approval.
Ethics of Educational Research

 Informed consent and protection from

harm
 Research participants must not be harmed in
any way
 Physically, mentally, socially

 Research participants freely agree to participate

 Informed consent: Researchers
provide information about the study and any
potential dangers
Ethics of Educational Research

 Researchers ensure freedom from harm

 No undue risks
 Personal privacy and confidentiality
 Limit access of data to those who ‘need to know’
 Participants’ involvement should not be reported
Ethics of Educational
Research
 Anonymity
 Study participants have complete
anonymity when their identities are
unknown to the researcher.
 Confidentiality
 Study participants are known to
researcher but are not disclosed.
 e.g., removing names from data
Ethics of Educational Research

The Buckley Amendment (The Family

Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974)
 Data that identifies a student is not available
without written permission
 Must describe what data, for what purposes, and to
whom
Ethics of Educational Research

 Deception poses an ethical dilemma. If the

participants know the purpose of a study, it
may change their behavior.
 e.g., gender, race, attitudes, medical status
 When a study must use deception it causes
problems for informed consent. These
types of studies must undergo strict ethical
review.
Ethics of Qualitative Research

 In addition to ethics of educational research

generally, qualitative research often poses
additional ethical challenges.
 The nature of the research changes so informed
consent is challenging.
 The close relationship between the researcher
and the participant may allow the researcher to
know personal and perhaps ill-acts of the
participant that may pose ethical challenges.
Ethical Guideposts

 A researcher should have an ethical

perspective with regard to the research
that is very close to her personal ethical
position.
 Informed consent should be obtained
through a dialogue between the
researcher and the participants.
Ethical Guideposts

 Be cognizant of the broader social

principles that define your ethical stance.
Potential results do not drive ethical
standards.
 Minimize the potential for harm to your
participants.
 Attend to confidentiality and omit
deception.