Perceptions of Students of Education Sciences on Research Ethics and (Re)Formation of the University Curriculum

Abstract

The study investigates perceptions of students of education sciences in Romania concerning issues related to research ethics, starting from recent opinions that consider the lack of adequate training in this field as a threat to higher education. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better knowledge of the training stage of which Bachelor, Master and doctorate students are undertaking. Respondents were invited to take part in a survey that included items that asked their opinion on the place of research ethics in the university curriculum, the need for a support person on research ethics issues, the importance of respecting research ethics for involvement in a research project, and the relationship between academic ethics and research ethics. The results show that students’ perception of the importance of research ethics positively changes with the level of studies. Doctoral students appreciate the support of an ethics advisor and significantly value the ethics component of a research project. Compliance with university ethics norms and compliance with research ethics is statistically significant in two of the three analyzed situations. The research shows the need for reconsideration at the institutional level to identify new training pathways in student research ethics.