Finding Your Ethical Research Self: A Guidebook for Novice Qualitative Researchers

Finding Your Ethical Research Self is a book for novice researchers that introduces the need for ethical reflection in practice and gives them the confidence to use their knowledge and skill when confronted by big ethical moments in the field. It consists of 12 chapters that build on each other, with the early chapters establishing core ethical concepts like consent and confidentiality and the later chapters focusing on how to address qualitative research ethics when these concepts take on a limited form. Classroom/workbook exercises develop alternative solutions to create process consent, internal confidentiality, and engage reference groups. Formal ethics review is introduced in Chapter 9, and practical help is provided in Chapter 10. Examples of researchers' dilemmas in the field are provided in Chapter 11, helping students become aware of these dilemmas and explore how to deal with them in the moment when they are unavoidable.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Finding Your Ethical Research Self is an essential guide for novice researchers who are embarking on their academic journey. It emphasizes the importance of ethical reflection in practice and equips students with the confidence to handle ethical dilemmas that may arise during their research. The book is structured in 12 chapters, each building on the previous one. However, the chapters do not follow a linear progression. Instead, core ethical concepts such as consent and confidentiality are established in the early chapters, only to be challenged later on. The focus then shifts to addressing qualitative research ethics, particularly when confidentiality and consent take on limited forms. This approach helps students understand that the application of ethical principles requires thoughtful adaptation in different contexts. The book provides guidance on how to approach these challenges, with classroom/workbook exercises developing alternative solutions for creating process consent, internal confidentiality, and engaging reference groups. The first eight chapters allow students to develop their ethical research self before delving into formal ethics review. Formal ethics review is introduced in Chapter 9, and Chapter 10 offers practical help in navigating the review process. Chapter 11 emphasizes the key message by providing examples of ethical dilemmas faced by researchers in the field through vignettes and discussion. These examples serve as a way for students to become aware of the potential dilemmas they may encounter, explore how they may arise, and recognize how to deal with them in the moment when they are unavoidable.

One of the strengths of Finding Your Ethical Research Self is its reflexive and learn-by-doing model of research ethics. The book encourages self-reflection and encourages students to engage in practical exercises and questions to deepen their understanding of ethical issues. By providing numerous examples of ethical dilemmas and issues, students can explore how these dilemmas arise and develop strategies for dealing with them effectively. This approach not only helps students comply with ethical guidelines but also fosters a sense of integrity and responsibility in their research. Overall, Finding Your Ethical Research Self is a valuable resource for novice researchers, undergraduate, and postgraduate research students. It provides a comprehensive and practical guide to ethical research practices, equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to conduct ethical and responsible research. Whether they are embarking on their first research project or are already experienced in the field, this book will be a valuable tool for their academic journey.

Weight: 328g
Dimension: 154 x 235 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367174781