Session 6: Ethically ending and exiting research

Introduction and aims

Figure 1 How should researchers be remembered as they complete their research? Research involves choosing between different paths

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Photograph of a light box with the letters arranged to read ‘Goodbye Friends’ followed by a heart symbol

Figure 1 How should researchers be remembered as they complete their research? Research involves choosing between different paths

Welcome to Session 6 of Becoming an ethical researcher.

In this final session, you will think about the issues associated with completing a research project. This will involve thinking back to the multiple perceptions and expectations of a researcher that you have read about. It also involves remembering how the researcher needs to continue showing respect to all of those involved with, and affected by, the research, which must continue beyond the project itself. For example, the researcher who leaves a setting into which other researchers with their proposals are likely to be welcomed is showing respect and integrity, both to those in the setting and those in the wider research community. To do this, the researcher must ensure that all expectations are met and recognise that once a project’s findings are published and disseminated, they will continue to have impact.

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

• understand the implications of showing sustained integrity as a researcher, including showing respect and continuing to meet researcher obligations
• appreciate how reporting and disseminating research are ethical responsibilities
• examine issues associated with exiting research (including legacy, relationships and sustainability).