Ethical Issues and Ethics Reviews in Social Science Research

Abstract

Although the ethics of social science research has not enjoyed as much scholarly attention as the ethics of biomedical research, social scientists continue to debate the relevance of research ethics and ethics review to social science research. Like social scientists, biomedical scientists have also objected to ethical review of biomedical research, and much has been gained from the ensuing debates. This chapter reviews much of this recent debate, and proposes the application of a framework developed by Emanuel, Wendler, and Grady (2008). We argue, however, that social scientists are generally inadequately trained in research ethics and may still espouse a dangerous view, common among behavioral scientists in the 1950s, that ethical concerns reflect a kind of methodological or scientific naiveté. We provide grounds for arguing, further, that social science research, with a few clear exceptions, should be rigorously ethically reviewed, and that research ethics committees have an obligation to be competent in the appropriate review of social science research, including qualitative research. Although the chapter refers largely to social science research, we include psychological research as a major domain of social science research.

Phonological development of first language isiXhosa-speaking children aged 3;0–6;0 years: A descriptive cross-sectional study

“…Autonomy relates to the rights a participant has to make decisions without any negative repercussions (Wassenaar, 2006). The children who formed the participant group were young and within the vulnerable population.…”

“…This ethical principle compels the researcher to maximise the benefits of the participants who take part in the study (Wassenaar, 2006). Although there was no direct benefit to the children in the study, the researcher ensured that any children identified as having a speech or language difficulty were referred to the appropriate health professional(s).…”

“…Justice is a principle that obliges the researcher to ensure that all participants are treated fairly and that those who form a part of the sample should also be able to receive the benefits (Wassenaar, 2006). Participants of this study were selected using the already mentioned criteria.…”

The Observed Experiences of Music Therapy on Parent-Child Interaction for Families with Children with Down Syndrome

“…At the beginning of the therapy process, written and signed informed consent was obtained from the CEO of the Creative Learning Centre as well as from the mothers before carrying out any research. This protected the participants, as well as the facility and ensured respect for the dignity of all persons involved (Wassenaar, 2006). The research does not provide the names of any person partaking in the research, ensuring their confidentiality and anonymity.…”

An expressive art group intervention for sexually abused adolescent females

“…Confidentially and anonymity of participants was adhered to during the research process (Wassenaar 2006). Group members agreed to respect one another and to keep all personal information discussed in the group confidential.…”