Politics and Ethics of Representation in Qualitative Research: Addressing Moments of Discomfort

This book provides guidance for researchers on how to ethically represent their research subjects, particularly with minority and under-represented groups.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 166 pages
\n Publication date: 23 July 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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The representation of research subjects is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration and attention. Researchers must navigate a delicate balance between respecting the privacy and autonomy of their subjects while also ensuring that their research is accurate, valid, and meaningful. This essay will explore some of the real research dilemmas around representation of research subjects and offer guidance to researchers as to how they might move past these dilemmas.

Ethics is a fundamental principle of research that guides the conduct of researchers and ensures that their work is ethical, responsible, and beneficial to society. When it comes to representing research subjects, researchers must consider a range of ethical issues, including informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, and exploitation. Informed consent is a critical ethical principle that requires researchers to obtain the voluntary and informed consent of their subjects before conducting any research. This consent must be obtained in a clear and understandable manner and must be free from coercion or undue influence. Confidentiality is another critical ethical principle that requires researchers to protect the privacy and confidentiality of their subjects. This includes protecting the identity of the subjects and any personal information they may provide. Researchers must also ensure that any data collected during the research is stored and used in a secure and confidential manner.

Anonymity is another important ethical principle that allows research subjects to remain anonymous and protected from harm. This is particularly important in research that involves sensitive topics or vulnerable populations, such as children, prisoners, or individuals with mental health issues. Researchers must ensure that their subjects are aware of the anonymity options available to them and that their data is not identifiable to them. Exploitation is a critical ethical concern that arises when researchers use their subjects for their own benefit or gain. This includes using their subjects for research that is not in their best interests, using their data for commercial purposes, or publishing their results without their consent. Researchers must ensure that their subjects are not exploited in any way and that their research is conducted in a fair and ethical manner.

Research with minority and under-represented groups and individuals is particularly challenging when it comes to representation. These groups may face unique barriers to participation in research, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and social stigma. Researchers must work to overcome these barriers and ensure that their research is inclusive and representative of the diverse populations they seek to study. This may involve developing culturally sensitive research protocols, recruiting bilingual researchers, and providing support and resources to participants.

In conclusion, the representation of research subjects is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration and attention. Researchers must navigate a delicate balance between respecting the privacy and autonomy of their subjects while also ensuring that their research is accurate, valid, and meaningful. By adhering to ethical principles such as informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, and exploitation, researchers can ensure that their work is ethical, responsible, and beneficial to society. Research with minority and under-represented groups and individuals is particularly challenging, but by working to overcome these barriers and ensure that their research is inclusive and representative, researchers can contribute to a more equitable and just society.

\n Weight: 266g\n
Dimension: 154 x 235 x 17 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367281038\n \n