Introduction
Ethics in research are a set of ethical guidelines that govern how scientific and other forms of research should be performed and disseminated. Ethics are important when conducting research due to the wide range of issues concerned with standards of conduct that can arise during this process. Ethics in research promotes significant social and moral values in the process, encourages collaborative research and enables researchers to be accountable for their actions (Mahmud, & Bretag, 2014). This essay discusses each of the mentioned benefits of ethics in research.
Advances moral and social values
Ethical research processes promote important moral and social values. According to Giorgini et al. (2015), educational researchers are required to provide ethical respect to any individuals who are part of their research activity. Persons involved in the activity should be treated with fairness, sensitivity, and dignity. They should not be discriminated based on gender, sexuality, age, ethnicity, class, race, nationality, among others. It also promotes the principle of caring for others. For instance, a study involving human or animal objects should be carried out with care and respect, making sure that their safety, welfare, and health is not compromised. Researchers should particularly be sensitive to minorities such as vulnerable groups, older people, and children with learning disabilities. In a study involving animals, expected benefits should be higher than the harm or pain that animals have to suffer (Smith, 2016).
Promotes Collaborative Research
Research ethics enables collaboration among researchers and groups, which is necessary for research activities. Collaborative work requires values such as fairness and mutual respect that are supported by an ethic of respect (Komić, MaruÅ¡ić & MaruÅ¡ić, 2015). Ethic of respect also provides various responsibilities that researchers should carry out, hence, enabling collaboration. For instance, the responsibility of voluntary informed consent stipulates that researchers should explain to those engaged in the activity of how the process is performed and how their participation is essential. They should also explain how the research will be used and to whom it will be presented. Another responsibility of researchers that enhances collaboration is openness and disclosure. They should be open about any course of action that they plan to take before commencing the research (Parsell, Ambler, & Jacenyik-Trawoger, 2014). Such responsibilities on the part of researchers’ enable research work to be conducted collaboratively, increasing the effectiveness of the process.
Supports Adherence to Procedures
Ethics in research ensure that researchers can be held accountable for their actions. According to Parsell et al. (2014), all kinds of research should be performed in a manner that avoids carelessness, slackness, distractions and rashness. Additionally, researchers are required to attempt to meet the aims of a study set out in the process. It is also wrong for them to copy or plagiarize the work of other researchers and attempt to use it as their own. They are required to seek permission before applying methods, unpublished data or results from others. Their research activities should have minimal impact on the environment and promote the efficient use of resources (Menzel, 2015).
Conclusion
Ethics in research is important as it helps in eliminating various issues. Some of the beneficial impacts of ethical research are concerned with ensuring that the process adheres to some important social and moral values that cater to different needs of participants as well as human and animal subjects. It promotes collaborative work between researchers and groups involved in the process, reducing the possibility of issues arising. It also makes sure the correct procedures are followed during research, which makes researchers accountable.
References
Giorgini, V., Mecca, J. T., Gibson, C., Medeiros, K., Mumford, M. D., Connelly, S., & Devenport, L. D. (2015). Researcher Perceptions of Ethical Guidelines and Codes of Conduct. Accountability in Research: Policies & Quality Assurance, 22(3), 123-138. Web.
Komić, D., Marušić, S. L., & Marušić, A. (2015). Research Integrity and Research Ethics in Professional Codes of Ethics: Survey of Terminology Used by Professional Organizations across Research Disciplines. PLoS ONE, 10(7), 1-13. Web.
Mahmud, S., & Bretag, T. (2014). Fostering Integrity in Postgraduate Research: An Evidence-Based Policy and Support Framework. Accountability in Research: Policies & Quality Assurance, 21(2), 122-137. Web.
Menzel, D. C. (2015). Research on Ethics and Integrity in Public Administration: Moving Forward, Looking Back. Public Integrity, 17(4), 343-370. Web.
Parsell, M., Ambler, T., & Jacenyik-Trawoger, C. (2014). Ethics in higher education research. Studies in Higher Education, 39(1), 166-179. Web.
Smith, J. (2016). Reflections on Teaching Research Ethics in Education for International Postgraduate Students in the UK. Teaching In Higher Education, 21(1), 94-105.