TLDR;
This video explains the importance of research ethics, tracing its origins to the inhumane practices during the Second World War and the establishment of the Nuremberg Code. It highlights key ethical considerations for researchers, including informed consent, confidentiality, honesty, integrity, carefulness, openness, and respect for intellectual property. The video emphasizes the necessity of upholding these ethics to protect participants' rights and ensure the integrity of research.
- Research ethics originated from the inhumane practices during the Second World War.
- The Nuremberg Code was established in 1947 to ensure human consent in research.
- Key research ethics include informed consent, confidentiality, honesty, integrity, carefulness, openness, and respect for intellectual property.
Introduction: The Dark Past of Research Ethics [0:17]
The discussion on research ethics is rooted in the unethical practices of the Second World War, where the pursuit of knowledge led to inhumane experiments on humans. These experiments were conducted without consent, proper procedures, or regard for human rights, even resulting in deaths. In 1947, the Nuremberg Code was established to address these atrocities, emphasizing that human consent is essential in any study. The code was created in Nuremberg, Germany, by American judges to prosecute Nazi doctors accused of murder and torture in concentration camps; 16 of 23 defendants were found guilty.
Informed Consent [2:30]
Researchers must obtain informed consent from participants, ensuring they are fully aware of the study's purpose, selection criteria, and data gathering schedule. Participants should be informed about interviews, survey questionnaires, or observations, and their convenience should be considered when scheduling. Participation must be voluntary, and researchers cannot force individuals to participate if they are uncomfortable sharing information.
Confidentiality [3:20]
Confidentiality is a critical aspect of research ethics, requiring researchers to protect participants' information. This may involve not sharing certain details publicly, concealing faces, or omitting names from research papers. Maintaining confidentiality is essential to safeguard the privacy and well-being of participants.
Honesty [3:43]
Researchers must be honest when reporting their findings from observations, interviews, or survey questionnaires. Falsifying, fabricating, or misrepresenting results is unacceptable. Accurate and truthful reporting is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the research.
Integrity [4:00]
Maintaining integrity involves keeping promises, adhering to schedules, acting with sincerity, and ensuring consistency between words and actions. These practices build trust and credibility in the research process.
Carefulness [4:12]
Carefulness is essential in following procedures, respecting participants' rights, and maintaining accurate records. Researchers should avoid careless errors and negligence to ensure the reliability and validity of their work.
Openness [4:27]
Openness involves being willing to share resources and tools when appropriate, as well as being receptive to constructive criticism. Accepting corrections and feedback can improve the quality and impact of the research.
Respect for Intellectual Property [4:47]
Researchers must respect intellectual property by honoring copyrights, trademarks, and other forms of intellectual property. It is crucial to obtain consent before using published or unpublished works, give credit where it is due, and avoid plagiarism by properly citing sources.