Session 5: Researchers behaving ethically

Introduction and aims

Figure 1 Research involves choosing between different paths

Show description|Hide description

This is a photograph of a mountain scene in which there are different paths on view. Some have cars parked on them and look busy. Others look more remote. Some are tarmacked, some gravel. Some wide and some narrow.

Figure 1 Research involves choosing between different paths

Welcome to Session 5 of Becoming an ethical researcher.

In this session you will explore further issues about conducting research ethically in the field, focusing on making strategic choices. Choices matter when you are faced with challenges that have serious implications. Aristotle had something to say about this in his views on how to lead a virtuous life and we begin by exploring how these key ideas remain relevant for contemporary researchers.

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

• identify issues associated with conducting research around working with others and dealing with change and challenges
• understand key ideas in Aristotle’s philosophy relevant to becoming a virtuous researcher
• explore possible strategies for conducting ethical research in relation to fictional scenarios.