SR - Research Ethics Lesson

 

Research Ethics Lesson

The previous lesson outlined a lot of the "what" and "how" of a sociologist's actions while conducting research. However, there is another element that must be considered in the actions related to research- the "why" and that refers to ethics. In many ways, the research conducted by sociologists serves to benefit society in the long run; but that doesn't mean that sociological research can't cause damage as well. In order to limit the amount of damage that research can inflict on society, professional sociological associations formed and created guidelines on ethics. In particular, the American Sociological Association (ASA) identified five principles that steer the sociologist through controversial or confusing situations. Not only do these principles minimize harm and ensure fair treatment of people and topics within a study, they also help to protect the profession and discipline of sociology.

ASA Principles

Click on each tab below to read, according to the ASA's own words, what these principles are.

Sociologists, however, are subject to more than just their professional association's guidelines. There are other factors and institutions that impact the standards to which sociologists are held. An important factor is funding. Sociologists must be careful not to accept financial support from an entity that could cause, or even imply, a conflict of interest in the sociologist's findings. When revealing the results of a study, sociologists also reveal the financial backing behind the study to avoid any question of impropriety. In America, one source of funding for sociological research comes from the federal government. As such, recipients of this funding are bound by the requirements of the federal government to create an institutional review board that inspects the recipient's compliance with ethical standards.  However, American sociologists do not always restrict their studies to American society. When a sociologist conducts research in any country, he or she must learn what is ethically acceptable in that country and comply with their standards as well.

 

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