Protecting Research Subjects
Protecting Research Subjects
What is this about?
Why is this important?
Social research, especially ethnographic, may be less accurate when it comes to predictions of precise methodological steps, possible scenarios encountered and directions of findings. As noted previously, ethnographic research may often be less understood by ethics committees who may carry some degree of ‘biomedical bias’, threatening both the research’s methodology and its direction[1].
This is an interesting case for discussion amongst all those working in ethnographic research (i.e., students, supervisors, researchers) or dealing with it (i.e., ethic committee members and administrators). It is also a useful resource for teaching ethnographic research methods.
Finally, the case further reminds us that protecting human research subjects from harm and at the same time promoting their best interests may sometimes become a seemingly contradictory affair.
- ↑ Mapedzahama, V. & Dune, T. (2017). A Clash of Paradigms? Ethnography and Ethics Approval. SAGE Open. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244017697167
For whom is this important?
What are the best practices?
According to the Belmont[1][1] report:
· Respect
· Beneficence
· Justice
- ↑ Office of the Secretary & The National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research (1979). The Belmont Report: ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research. Washington DC.