The aims of the session
         To consider the ethical values that inform educational research
         To reflect on our own values
         To consider how ethics informs all stages of the research 
          process
      A Definition
       “An ‘ethic’ is a moral principle or a code of conduct which … 
       governs what people do. It is concerned with the way people act 
       or behave. The term ‘ethics’ usually refers to the moral principles, 
       guiding conduct, which are held by a group or even a profession 
       (though there is no logical reason why individuals should not 
       have their own ethical code)” (Wellington 2000: 54)
      The impact of research
      “Fortunately, social research… does not kill or maim children. Yet 
      researchers may upset and worry children and parents, embarrass 
      them, or betray them, for example by making false promises. 
      Researchers may produce misleading findings that result in policies 
      that can damage children’s lives” (Alderson 2007:99)
      Generate as many examples as you can think of,  of ways that 
      educational research might impact negatively on participants
       ESRC: 6 key principles
       Research should be designed, reviewed and undertaken to ensure 
        integrity and quality
       Research staff and subjects must be informed fully about the 
        purpose, methods and intended possible uses of the research, what 
        their participation in the research entails and what risks, if any, are 
        involved. 
       The confidentiality of information supplied by research subjects 
        and the anonymity of respondents must be respected
       Research participants must participate in a voluntary way, free from 
        any coercion
       Harm to research participants must be avoided
       The independence of research must be clear, and any conflicts of 
        interest or partiality must be explicit
      Being an ethical researcher
     It’s about your choices
     Ethics in ER is a decision-making process, not a rule-following 
     process. It requires commitment to the principles of ethical 
     engagement and a willingness to consider the ethical implications 
     of your own research actions.
     It’s an on-going process
     Ethical thinking is required at every stage of the research process, 
     from research design, through working with participants, to 
     analysing and reporting the data.