Reading Assignment for Section 1.4

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 1.4: Research Ethics.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll explore the principles of ethics in social research, learning to differentiate between ethics and morals and understand the ethical landscapes across various disciplines. You’ll delve into the responsibility of researchers to ensure participant safety, focusing on protecting vulnerable groups and maintaining confidentiality. Additionally, you’ll gain an understanding of the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in research and the importance of transparency and honesty in the scientific process.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 1.4

• SLO 1: Understand the principles of ethics in social research, including the distinctions between ethics and morals, and the varying ethical landscapes across different disciplines, emphasizing the importance of voluntary participation and informed consent.
• SLO 2: Recognize the responsibility of researchers to ensure participant safety, addressing both physical and psychological harm, with special attention to protecting vulnerable groups and maintaining confidentiality and anonymity in data collection.
• SLO 3: Comprehend the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in research, including their dual focus on participant protection and legal safeguarding, and appreciate the importance of acknowledging research limitations and the pursuit of truth through transparency and honesty in the scientific process.

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