1.2 Research Ethics in PhD

Fundamental Principles and Best Practices for Doctoral Researchers

Introduction

Ethical conduct is a cornerstone of credible and responsible doctoral research. Adhering to ethical standards protects research participants, ensures integrity, and enhances the validity of findings. This article outlines essential ethical considerations and processes relevant to PhD students.

Core Principles of Research Ethics

Respect for Persons

  • Acknowledge autonomy and dignity of all participants.
  • Obtain informed consent with clear explanation of research purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).

Beneficence and Non-maleficence

  • Maximise benefits and minimise harm or discomfort to participants.
  • Assess and mitigate potential risks diligently.

Justice

  • Ensure equitable selection and treatment of participants.
  • Avoid exploitation of vulnerable groups.

Ethical Approval Process

  • Submit research proposals to Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) or Ethics Committees prior to data collection (Resnik, 2018).
  • Provide detailed information on methodology, participant recruitment, data management, and consent procedures.
  • Amend proposals as required based on committee feedback.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

  • Protect participant identities through anonymisation or pseudonymisation.
  • Secure data storage compliant with legal frameworks such as GDPR in the UK/EU (Information Commissioner’s Office, 2019).

Handling Ethical Dilemmas

  • Consult supervisors or ethics officers when unexpected ethical issues arise.
  • Maintain transparency and document decisions and justifications.

Conclusion

Ethical considerations permeate all stages of doctoral research. Proactive engagement with ethical principles and institutional processes safeguards research integrity and participant welfare.

References

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