Ethics in Data Collection
When carrying out qualitative research, healthcare providers have an immense responsibility since they face ethical challenges all the time, where information security is the grand concern of all individuals participating (Gheondea-Eladi, 2017). Ethical dilemmas are intrinsic throughout the research process from what to study about to analysis and the dissemination of the findings. A social worker must research within their professional discipline, demonstrate sensitivity to the vulnerable public, and respect the participants’ privacy and dignity. As a social worker, a person experiences a conflict between protecting the participants’ identities in their research and conveying accurate, detailed accounts of the social world.
The role of a social worker and a researcher can bring about a conflict of interest that may arise from the recognition of an issue under study where the participants may require care services as a result of their participation. This can bring about a challenge around the limits of sharing information to care providers and the impact it will have on the study, for instance, if it decreases the scientific value of the research and the study’s qualifications. The ideologies of non-maleficence and beneficence are at a stake when the research contradicts the expectations of the social work.
Invasion of privacy is another ethical issue, and it occurs when opinions, attitudes, beliefs, and records are shared with other individuals without the participant’s consent or knowledge (Harris, 2010). Invasion of privacy can also be seen when the researcher studies the participants without knowing and recognizing themselves. It can stigmatize individuals when there are bleaches with their records, which can cause a person to experience shame, guilt, or embarrassment.
Another factor of the ethical challenge is confidentiality and anonymity, a feature obstructed in a social worker through excepts conditions that involve the interest of legal processes and society. While the social worker’s responsibility might instigate referral and intervention in light of troubling information such as criminal activity or medical conditions, the research role would likely prohibit those actions. Ethos and moral duty should surpass legal requirements because anonymity and confidentiality are associated with fidelity, dignity, and right to beneficence.
References
Gheondea-Eladi, A. (2017). Health research ethics: Between ethics codes and culture. Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics, 12(4), 246-260.
Harris, A. (2010). The ethics and confidentiality committee and research ethics committees. Research Ethics, 6(4), 117-119.