1 Who should researchers consider in research?
Before planning to undertake research using any data collection method, an ethical researcher needs to identify the person or people from whom permissions should be sought. For example, observation is a tool commonly used in research, one of many a researcher might use to address their research questions. It allows researchers to gather evidence about human behaviours, actions and use of spaces. Observations can provide a researcher with a window into a setting that can give insights into what has taken place, which can then be compared with other situations, in other settings, at different times. However, when using observation, the researcher needs to think about the impact their presence may have on those being observed and reflect on how they might feel about being asked to be observed.
There are also others who should also be considered. For example, it might be appropriate to consult the hosts for the setting in which the observation is to take place, and the parents or carers of any children, young people or others in the setting who are responsible for their wellbeing, whether underage or not considered capable of giving legal consent to being part of a research study. Researchers must also consider those who have responsibility for the safety of those people they wish to observe and others to whom the researcher may have obligations, such as funders or university sponsors. The perspectives, expectations, assumptions and perceptions of all stakeholders should be considered before research plans are finalised.
This starts by considering whether the research should be undertaken at all, as well as how it will be carried out. Sometimes, no matter how much a researcher would like to research a question that is important to them, ethical considerations for those involved could mean that the research should not be undertaken. In the first activity, you will have a chance to consider two case studies and reflect on this decision-making process.