An ethics form is defined as a document that asks researchers to detail their research, to make sure that standards are being adhered to, and to safeguard. It is expected that a research proposal addresses ethical issues, even if doesn’t seem to be very significant.
When thinking about ethics and my ARP, I am compelled to investigate the rationale behind my ARP since, had ethics been considered, the industry professional would not have chosen to use a “racial slur,” and I would not have been the target of prejudice from my colleague. Because of the persecution that my intersectional features frequently face, as a Black British woman, positionality (Showunmi 2023), enables me to discern and respect the value of ethical resources: (Byran, Dadzie and Scafe 2018).
As part of my investigations, I aim to address the core subjects of respecting autonomy, maximising benefit, minimising harm and behaving with integrity.
To further define my considerations, that are to be addressed:
| Core subject | My definition |
| Respecting autonomy | My goal is to respect the autonomy of everyone involved in my research, including but not limited to giving participants enough information to enable them to make an informed decision about whether to participate (informed consent), and making sure they are not penalised for declining to participate. Additionally, I want to ensure that participants understand that they can leave the research at any time, for any reason, and without consequences. Strict and suitable protocols for confidentiality and secrecy must be used to safeguard their personal information. |
| Maximising benefit | My studies ought to be valuable and indicate advantages that surpass any possible drawbacks. Any advantages shall be communicated honestly and without embellishment. My research objectives will be open and honest, and the methodology employed will be appropriate for the for both my study and the participants. |
| Minimising harm | I will consider all potential risks of harm that my study may present, being mindful some harms—like anguish, shame, or anxiety—can be ill-defined and unpredictable. |
| Behaving with integrity | I have a responsibility to carry out my research with honesty. As a result, I would want to disclose any current or future conflicts of interest that could have an impact on my results. Following ethical guidelines, I have no intention of purposefully keeping any information from research participants. |
According to the National Library of Medicine, for ethically valid consent, the information provided to a research subject should include, but not be limited:
- details of the nature and purpose of the research
- the expected duration of the subject’s participation
- a detailed description of the study treatment or intervention and of any experimental procedures
In the context of my research, I agree with this notion and in critically thinking of my research, I acknowledge that I am embarking on investigations, that could potentially cause unintentional emotional harm. By setting ethical considerations I will make attempts to prevent my research from harming my participants or myself. (Manti and Licari 2018)
References:
Bryan, B., Dadzie, S. and Scafe, S. (2018). The heart of the race: black women’s lives in Britain. London: Verso.
Showunmi, V. (2023). Visible, invisible: Black women in higher education. Frontiers in Sociology, 8. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2023.974617.
Manti, S., & Licari, A. (2018). How to obtain informed consent for research. Breathe (Sheffield, England), 14(2), 145–152. https://doi.org/10.1183/20734735.001918