Ethics in Scientific Research: Purpose, Steps, and Standards
Scientific research ethics ensures that investigations are conducted with integrity, prioritizing societal benefit and respecting human rights. This involves verifying hypotheses to expand knowledge while strictly adhering to moral standards, such as obtaining voluntary consent and using data solely for research purposes, thereby preventing negative social impact. (58 words)
Key Takeaways
Research must primarily benefit society and improve the quality of life.
Ethical standards are crucial to avoid negative social impact during investigation.
The investigative process requires defining objectives and identifying ethical problems.
Key ethical principles include voluntary consent and data use limitations.
What is the definition and primary purpose of scientific research?
Scientific research is fundamentally defined as an activity designed to verify specific hypotheses or arrive at definitive conclusions regarding a phenomenon, with the overarching goal of expanding the existing body of knowledge, a concept highlighted by Shrader-Frechette (1994). The principal function of this rigorous activity is to benefit society as a whole, serving as an essential mechanism for social progress and the effective solution of complex problems. Therefore, ethical research must always aim to improve the quality of life for both individuals and organizations, strictly prohibiting its use for purely personal gain or self-serving objectives.
- Involves activities dedicated to verifying hypotheses or reaching substantiated conclusions.
- Specifically seeks to expand the general body of knowledge (Shrader-Frechette, 1994).
- Considered essential for achieving social progress and facilitating the solution of societal problems.
- The primary function is to provide benefit to society in its entirety.
- Aims to improve the quality of life for both individuals and organizations.
- Research endeavors must never be utilized for personal or private financial gain.
What are the essential steps involved in the investigative research process?
The investigative process requires a systematic approach to maintain scientific integrity, starting with the crucial step of recognizing the specific problem or gap in knowledge that the study intends to address. Following this, researchers must clearly define the study's objective before selecting the most appropriate methodological approach. A key subsequent step involves planting the precise research question, which guides the selection of the necessary design and instruments. Throughout the execution, researchers must rigorously consider the validity and reliability of their findings, and critically, identify and mitigate all potential ethical problems before moving forward with the analysis and interpretation of the collected data.
- a) Recognize and clearly identify the specific problem requiring investigation.
- b) Define the precise objective that the research aims to achieve.
- c) Choose the most suitable methodological approach for the study.
- d) Plant the central research question that will guide the entire investigation.
- e) Select the appropriate research design and necessary instruments for data collection.
- f) Rigorously consider the validity and reliability of the research methods and results.
- g) Identify and address all potential ethical problems inherent in the study design.
- h) Conduct thorough analysis and interpretation of the collected data.
What are the main categories and data approaches used in scientific research?
Scientific research is categorized into distinct types, as outlined by R. Díaz (2009), which determine the nature of the inquiry and the expected outcomes. These main types include exploratory research, used when a topic is new; descriptive research, which details characteristics; correlational research, which examines relationships between variables; and explanatory research, which seeks to establish cause-and-effect. Furthermore, studies utilize specific data approaches: quantitative methods rely on numerical data for statistical analysis; qualitative methods focus on detailed description and context; and mixed methods combine both quantitative and qualitative techniques for a comprehensive, holistic understanding.
- Main Research Types (r. Díaz, 2009):
- Exploratory: Used to investigate phenomena where little prior knowledge exists.
- Descriptive: Focuses on characterizing a population or phenomenon.
- Correlational: Examines the relationships or associations between two or more variables.
- Explanatory: Aims to determine the causes and effects of phenomena.
- Data Collection Approaches:
- Quantitative: Relies on the collection and analysis of numerical data.
- Qualitative: Focuses on detailed, non-numerical description and context.
- Mixto (Mixed): Integrates both qualitative and quantitative data for richer insights.
Why are ethical standards and principles crucial in scientific research?
Ethical aspects are paramount in scientific investigation, representing the moral standards of the researcher and ensuring the research process adheres to applied or practical ethics (Penslar, 1995). Maintaining these standards is fundamental to preventing any negative social impact resulting from the study. Core ethical principles, established by the Swedish Council (1982), require the voluntary consent of every participant and uphold the individual's right to determine the conditions of their involvement. Moreover, all collected data must be used strictly for the stated research objectives. To oversee these requirements, Ethics Committees review protocols, ensuring hypotheses are sensible, adequate, and present minimum risk, thereby promoting collaboration and public trust.
- Investigator Moral Standards: Requires adherence to applied or practical ethics (Penslar, 1995).
- Fundamental requirement to avoid creating a negative social impact.
- Key Ethical Principles (Swedish Council, 1982):
- Mandatory voluntary consent from all participants.
- Upholding the individual's right to determine the conditions of their participation.
- Strictly limiting the use of collected data only for research purposes.
- Hypothesis Requirements:
- Must be sensible and logically adequate.
- Must possess the capacity to be completed successfully.
- Must present only minimum risk to participants or society.
- Ethical Oversight: Ethics Committees (in the US, Canada, Europe) review protocols and promote collaboration and trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary ethical requirement for research hypotheses?
Hypotheses must be sensible, adequate, and capable of being completed. Most importantly, they must be designed to present the minimum possible risk to participants and society, ensuring the integrity and safety of the investigation.
According to the Swedish Council (1982), what are the key ethical principles regarding participants?
The key principles are obtaining the participant's voluntary consent and respecting their right to determine the conditions of their involvement. Data collected must be used exclusively for the stated research objectives, protecting privacy and purpose.
What is the role of Ethics Committees in scientific research?
Ethics Committees, found in regions like the US and Europe, function to review research protocols, ensuring compliance with moral standards. Their goal is to promote collaboration and maintain public trust in the research process by mitigating risks.
