Ethical Issues in Qualitative Research
Qualitative research sets itself apart because it focuses on observation and analysis of human subjects. As a naturalistic process of study, scientific studies using qualitative methods have increased over the past decades. However, the nature of qualitative studies also raises significant ethical issues. It is essential to explore how ethical issues can arise and provide a real-world scenario of an ethical issue in qualitative research.
One of the ethical issues that may arise in qualitative research relates to the researcher-participant relationship. Richards and Schwartz (2002) argue that the nature of qualitative research increases the risk to the participants. Qualitative research often involves probing participants’ actions, beliefs, and behavior. Depending on the study, sometimes, participants may feel obliged to participate or continue with the study (Richards & Schwartz, 2002). For example, a participant may feel the need to continue with the study out of ‘goodwill’ if the study aims to solve a social problem or health issue. Also, methods of collecting data from participants in qualitative research can be distressing. Qualitative research may sometimes involve gathering sensitive data from participants. For example, when collecting data from victims of domestic violence, the interview or questioning can trigger painful memories leading to participant distress. Such questioning or probing can cause distress based on individual experiences (Orb et al., 2001). While qualitative researchers try to anticipate responses and put mitigating factors to reduce distress, accurate predictions may not be possible.
Another ethical issue that may arise is the misrepresentation of the participants. Given that qualitative researchers often study individuals from different cultures, misrepresentation could occur. The way the researcher understands and represents the issue may be different from what the participants understand the issue from their cultural background (Orb et al., 2001). Richards and Schwartz (2002) note that despite giving their narratives, participants have no control over how their views are interpreted, which increases the risk of losing their self-identity. Another ethical issue that may arise is confidentiality. While the researcher strives to maintain confidentiality, sometimes it can be compromised. For example, a study conducted in a certain neighborhood or culture can be compromised when an outsider makes a connection and identifies a participant (Richards & Schwartz, 2002). While the participants’ names are anonymous, someone familiar with the neighborhood could identify and connect the story to a certain individual, compromising confidentiality.
A scenario in which an issue may arise in a qualitative study is when a researcher is interviewing girls in a school system. The researcher promises confidentiality to the girls but during the one-on-one interview with one of the girls, she becomes emotional and opens up about her stepfather who is touching her inappropriately. When the interview ends, the researcher is torn between maintaining the confidentiality and getting involved in a case where a young girl is at risk of sexual abuse. A dilemma exists because the girl may be lying to “prank” the researcher or telling the truth in a place she feels safe. The issue of confidentiality and informed consent becomes evident in such situations and threatens to interfere with the research process.
Conclusion
Ethical issues can arise in qualitative studies. The researcher-participant relationship is one area that poses great ethical issues because of the risk of harm befalling the participants. The methods of collecting data could be harmful when sensitive issues are involved. Confidentiality is also a problem because if an outsider makes a connection and identifies a participant in the study.
References
Orb, A., Eisenhauer, L., & Wynaden, D. (2001). Ethics in qualitative research. Journal of nursing scholarship, 33(1), 93-96.
Richards, H. M., & Schwartz, L. J. (2002). Ethics of qualitative research: are there special issues for health services research?. Family practice, 19(2), 135-139.
