Question

Discuss how a researcher can ensure for the three main ethical issues in the research process, namely anonymity, confidentiality and autonomy.

Answer 1

Ensuring ethical values in the research process is a must. Lets begin with autonomy:

1. Autonomy: Its the persons will, wether he want to do something or another, agree or not, enroll or not etc. It must be ensured that the participants must be disclosed about all the information regarding the research being carried out beforehand. It is imperatie to treat these individuals as autonomous. They must be told about the procedures, benefits , risk and other information and finally let them decide wether to participate or not. In the case of individuals who have diminished autonomy for example: children, people with mental illness etc the researcher must protect these individuals and try not to include them unless in exceptional cases.

2. Anonymity and confidentiality: Anonymity in research takes place when a response by any individual cannot be linked to their identity. To protect the anonymity of the subjects the researcher must make sure that the individuals give consent to what information they are willing to share and what information they don't.

It is important that the researcher understands the social and psychological implication of releasing information against the subjects will. Its the onus of the researcher to make their participant aware of their rights and codes.

In cases where the researcher is not sure of being able to maintain the subjects anonymity he must address the confidentiality of the information. That is to say that only certain information will be available and to ceratain individuals or organisations. Confidentiality agreements and certificates must be provided before the subject embarks on the research.

At the end of the day it is the moral code of the researcher and his values. Therefore the institutions and other organisations where research takes place, a moral sense and code of conduct must be established for the researchers to make their practice much more ethical and lawful in the future.